Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with United States President Donald Trump, congratulating him on the success of the “historic” Gaza peace plan. The two leaders also reviewed what they described as “good progress” in bilateral trade negotiations and agreed to remain in close contact in the coming weeks.
In a post on X, PM Modi said: “Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks.”
Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump
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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 9, 2025
Push for bilateral trade agreement
India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement. A team from the United States Trade Representative’s office visited India on September 16, holding positive talks on several aspects of the deal. The discussions were followed by a visit from Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal to the US on September 22, where efforts were made to push towards an early, mutually beneficial conclusion.
The talks come against the backdrop of Washington’s 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, which also include a 25 per cent penalty on the import of Russian oil.
Gaza peace plan hailed as ‘historic’
Earlier in the day, PM Modi welcomed the agreement on the first phase of Trump’s peace plan, calling it a reflection of the “strong leadership” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He expressed hope that the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance in Gaza would bring relief to civilians and open the door to lasting peace in the region.
Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had “signed off” on the first phase of the plan, which includes the release of hostages and Israeli troop withdrawal to an agreed line. He described it as a “GREAT Day” for the Arab world, Israel, and the US, thanking Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their role in mediating the agreement.
