US Vice President JD Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, as the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The call occurred around the time the US Senate passed a bill imposing 100% tariffs on five countries, including India and China, for purchasing oil from Russia. During the conversation, Modi expressed appreciation for the efforts to enhance collaboration in trade, defense, critical and emerging technologies, energy security, and critical minerals. He also extended congratulations to Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, on the birth of their son. The phone call took place amid ongoing discussions between India and the United States regarding a broader trade agreement and tensions over the Trump administration’s tariff policies. The two nations have been working to finalize an interim bilateral trade deal, aiming to boost economic ties and align on shared interests. Modi, in a post on social media, stated that they reviewed progress in the comprehensive partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in key areas. The dialogue also included exchanges on regional and global developments, though specific details were not released. Modi and Vance touched upon the significance of expanding the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which was formalized during former President Donald Trump’s visit to India in February 2020. The partnership encompasses defense, security, trade, investment, critical technologies, space, energy, healthcare, education, and people-to-people ties, along with cooperation through the Quad. In 2025, the two countries launched the COMPACT and TRUST initiatives to enhance collaboration in defense, commerce, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, and other emerging fields. These programs aim to achieve a target of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The call also coincided with recent geopolitical shifts, including the signing of a mutual defense pact among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The agreement, signed on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stipulates that an armed attack on any of the three nations would be considered an attack on all. This development has raised questions about the evolving dynamics in South and Central Asia, particularly concerning India’s strategic interests in the region. Additionally, the conversation followed concerns raised by US Congressman Riley Moore regarding potential changes to India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Moore alleged that the proposed amendments could enable the Indian government to seize control of churches and religious charities. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that legislative matters fall under India’s internal affairs, while noting that several countries, including the United States, regulate foreign funding. This issue highlights the complex interplay between domestic policy and international relations. Vance’s call to Modi marks a continuation of their diplomatic engagement, following a previous conversation in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor, a military operation against Pakistan. During that call, Vance reportedly warned Modi about Pakistan’s plans for a major attack, prompting Modi to assure a stronger response. The current call underscores the enduring importance of the India-US relationship, especially as both nations navigate challenges ranging from economic cooperation to regional security and technological advancement. The birth of Vance’s son, Alec Neel Vance, adds a personal dimension to the diplomatic interactions. The child, born at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, is the first child of a sitting US vice president in over 150 years. Vance and Usha announced the birth on social media, expressing joy and well-wishes for the family. This personal connection reflects the growing familiarity and respect between the leaders, reinforcing the foundation for continued collaboration.
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