Recent developments suggest a potential thaw in relations between the United States and India, with indications that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon engage in a phone conversation. This comes after a period of heightened tensions marked by trade disputes and strained diplomatic exchanges.

The relationship between the two countries experienced a downturn following the imposition of significant tariffs by the Trump administration on Indian goods, with an additional penalty tied to India's continued import of Russian oil. These tariffs, reaching as high as 50%, were among the highest levied on any trading partner. This action led to criticism from the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, with Democrats suggesting that the tariffs would harm Americans and undermine the U.S.-India relationship.

Adding to the strain, Trump remarked that India, along with Russia, seemed to have been "lost" to China. This comment followed a security summit where Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Trump later downplayed his statement, insisting on his continued friendship with Modi and the "special relationship" between the two countries.

In response to Trump's initial remarks, Modi affirmed that ties with the United States remained "very positive". He reciprocated Trump's sentiments, highlighting the "positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership" between India and the U.S..

Despite the recent tensions, trade talks between the two nations have continued. Trump has expressed optimism for a successful resolution to trade barriers, reinforcing his friendship with Modi. He announced ongoing negotiations and conveyed confidence in reaching a beneficial outcome for both countries.

However, some voices within the Trump administration have maintained a more hardline stance. Trump's Trade advisor, Peter Navarro, has criticized India's high tariffs and warned that the situation "won't end well" if New Delhi doesn't compromise in trade negotiations.

Adding to the complexities, reports surfaced that Modi had declined to take several phone calls from Trump in recent weeks amidst escalating trade tensions. According to a New York Times report, a call in June soured relations after Trump claimed to have ended hostilities between India and Pakistan and alluded to a possible Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Modi reportedly pushed back, asserting that the ceasefire was arranged directly between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton noted that Trump's personal relationship with Modi, once strong, had deteriorated, cautioning that close ties with the American leader might not shield world leaders from adverse outcomes. Bolton suggested that Trump's approach to international relations is heavily influenced by his personal relationships with other leaders.

Despite the challenges, there are signals that both sides are interested in stabilizing the relationship. India has committed to continuing negotiations with the U.S. to decrease trade tariffs. Modi was one of the first leaders to meet with Trump after he returned to the White House, with both exchanging greetings in Washington in February, and pledging to strike a trade deal before the end of the year.

The potential phone call between Trump and Modi could signify a renewed effort to address the existing disputes and revitalize the strategic partnership between the two nations. However, New Delhi is proceeding cautiously, awaiting more concrete signals from Washington before fully embracing a return to normalcy.