NEW DELHI, FEB 2: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar landed in Washington for a three-day diplomatic mission on the same day President Donald Trump engaged in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The dialogue serves as a primary step in addressing a series of policy disagreements that have hampered cooperation between the two capitals over the past year.
The outreach follows a period of heightened tension triggered by aggressive US trade measures. Ambassador Sergio Gor broke the news of the interaction, signaling that further updates may follow regarding the status of the relationship.
“President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED,” Gor said.
The core of the current friction lies in a steep hike in tariffs on Indian exports, which the Trump administration doubled to 50 percent. This move was largely seen as a response to India’s energy imports from Russia. Additionally, new immigration restrictions and statements concerning regional security in South Asia have added layers of complexity to the diplomatic standoff.
Efforts to repair the bond have intensified in the last few weeks, with both sides focusing on the completion of a proposed trade agreement. Sources in New Delhi mentioned that the two countries are closer to an understanding than they have been in months. Jaishankar’s presence in the US capital for a summit on critical minerals provides an immediate opportunity for face-to-face follow-ups to the leaders’ conversation.
