JD Vance calls PM Modi to discuss India-US ties, PM congratulates him on newborn son

During the phone conversation, the two leaders discussed ways to further expand the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas, PM Modi said.

The prime minister also congratulated Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the birth of their son and conveyed his best wishes to the family.

"Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas," PM Modi said in a post on social media.

"Warmly congratulated him and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family," he added.

The US administration has not yet released details of the conversation.

Trade deal still a key issue

It is not immediately clear whether the proposed India-US trade agreement figured in the discussions.

Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump had met in France in June and directed officials from both countries to work towards an early, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement.

The two countries have been attempting to revive trade negotiations after relations came under strain over Washington's tariff measures against Indian goods.

India-US ties hit rough patch

Relations between New Delhi and Washington witnessed a downturn after the Trump administration imposed punitive tariffs on Indian imports.

Tensions were further aggravated by Trump's repeated claims that he had played a role in ending the India-Pakistan military confrontation in May 2025.

New Delhi strongly rejected those claims, maintaining that the cessation of hostilities was achieved through direct talks between India and Pakistan and that Washington had no role in brokering the understanding.

The disagreement became a significant point of friction between the two countries.

H-1B fees, immigration policy add to tensions

Washington's immigration policies, including a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees, also contributed to concerns in India.

The changes have been closely watched in New Delhi given the large number of Indian professionals working in the United States.

Despite the strains, India and the US have in recent months stepped up efforts to stabilise bilateral relations and move ahead with negotiations on the proposed trade agreement.

West Asia adds to regional concerns

Vance's conversation with Modi also comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia and changing regional security dynamics.

The call took place days after Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact, an agreement widely viewed as reflecting an emerging regional alignment amid the conflict.

Against this backdrop, strengthening strategic coordination between India and the US assumes added significance, particularly on issues concerning regional security and stability.