"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I are two people that get things done," read a message from US President Donald Trump posted by the US Embassy in India on Friday amid the nearly-month-long Middle East war and fears of a US ground invasion of the Islamic Republic. In his message, Trump called for a stronger relationship with India, adding that "this is something that "cannot be said for most".
"Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that get things done, something that cannot be said for most – President Donald J. Trump," the US Embassy in India posted.
Trump's remarks came after Tuesday's phone call with PM Modi, during which they discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East and the need for stability in the region. This marked the first call between the two leaders since the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28.
Following the call, PM Modi reiterated India's position, stressing the importance of de-escalation and the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible for global trade.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue discussions on ensuring regional peace, stability, and the safety of key global shipping routes.
"Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," PM Modi tweeted on Tuesday.
The phone call assumed significance amid a rapidly escalating conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel which began on February 28. The US-Israeli strikes resulted in the killings of Iran's then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top officials of the clerical and military leadership. Tehran retaliated and struck US bases across the Gulf, triggering instability in the region, and throwing normal flight operations out of gear.
Despite Trump eyeing a ceasefire, fears of a US ground invasion of Iran persist amid military buildup in the region. Tehran has rejected proposals floated by the US President and insisted it will not halt hostilities unless US and Israeli strikes stop.
The war has disrupted global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit chokepoint, with Iran effectively shutting the route and attacking US or Israeli-linked ships. This has raised fears of energy shortages, rising inflation and supply chain disruptions worldwide. However, Iran has permitted India and a few other countries to allow their oil tankers to pass through the strait to meet their energy demands.
New Delhi has consistently called for de-escalation and a ceasefire, stressing the need to protect the Strait of Hormuz. While India is not a direct party to the conflict, its diplomatic outreach and ties with the US, Israel and Iran could play a constructive role in easing tensions and pushing for a ceasefire in the region.
