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The phone conversation initiated by the US President came days after he claimed that PM Modi had told him that India would stop buying Russian crude oil. Following Trump’s comments, India suggested that no such talks had taken place.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm wishes for Diwali. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and remain united against terrorism in all its forms,” Modi said on Wednesday (October 22).
This was the third publicly known phone call between Modi and Trump since September 16, amid continuing tensions in India-US ties over Washington’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a 25% levy on New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
On Tuesday (October 21) night, Trump hosted a Diwali celebration attended by Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra and several prominent Indian-origin business leaders.
Read more: US President Trump calls PM Modi on Diwali, says both want to see Russia-Ukraine war end
In his remarks at the ceremony, Trump reiterated his claim that India will not buy crude oil from Russia.
The US President described PM Modi as a “great leader” and a “friend”, and also noted his trade-focused diplomacy to ease tensions between India and Pakistan.
Relations between New Delhi and Washington are under severe strain after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India.
India described the US action as “unwarranted, unfair and unreasonable”.
Two weeks ago, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gore met PM Modi in New Delhi. After the meeting, Gore said that America considers its relationship with India as ‘important’.
Gore also spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.