On November 6, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Donald Trump, offering his congratulations on Trump’s “spectacular victory” in the US elections. The leaders expressed mutual admiration and reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening India-US relations. Modi took to social media to share the news of the conversation, stating, “Had a great conversation with my friend, President Donald Trump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defense, energy, space, and several other sectors.”
The exchange between Modi and Trump is emblematic of the strong rapport they have cultivated over the years. The two leaders first forged a close relationship during Trump’s previous term in office. Trump had made a landmark visit to India in 2020 for the “Namaste Trump” event, and Modi had reciprocated with a visit to Texas for the “Howdy Modi” rally in September 2019. These events solidified their personal and professional connection, which was reflected in their recent conversation. Sources indicated that Trump shared with Modi that the Indian leader was one of the first world leaders he reached out to following his election victory, further underlining the significance of their relationship.
Trump, during the call, lauded Modi as a “magnificent man” and reiterated that India is a “magnificent country.” This praise from the President-elect comes at a time when global attention is keenly focused on the political shifts in the United States. The leaders also spoke of their shared desire to promote world peace, stability, and prosperity. Modi’s tweet expressed eagerness to continue the collaboration between the two nations, focusing on enhancing areas of mutual interest, such as defense cooperation, technological innovation, and energy security.
The conversation between the two leaders is reflective of the broader context of the evolving India-US relationship. Over the years, the ties between the two countries have become increasingly robust, especially in the areas of defense, trade, and technology. Modi’s emphasis on working “closely together” to strengthen this partnership aligns with the strategic objectives of India in promoting a more assertive role in the global arena, particularly in cooperation with key allies like the United States.
Trump’s victory also carries broader implications for global geopolitics, with many world leaders weighing in on the election results and congratulating him. PM Modi’s congratulatory message, accompanied by a series of images depicting the two leaders sharing light moments during past events, emphasizes the warmth of their personal bond. In his social media post, Modi not only congratulated Trump but also highlighted the importance of renewing the collaboration between the two countries to “further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.”
The election victory marks the beginning of Trump’s second term, and the political dynamics between India and the United States under his leadership will likely shape global policies on a range of issues. Modi’s congratulatory message signals India’s continued commitment to engaging with the US in key strategic domains, including regional security, trade, and technological advancements. The cordial relationship between the two leaders is poised to play a crucial role in addressing challenges such as climate change, defense cooperation, and the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.
As the global community watches closely, the continued collaboration between Modi and Trump is expected to further cement India-US ties, benefiting both nations in terms of economic growth, security, and regional stability.