President Donald Trump has once again voiced his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "fantastic man." The remarks followed a recent phone conversation between the two leaders, underscoring the continued cordial relationship between the United States and India.
The conversation, which took place on June 17, 2025, at President Trump's request, covered a range of critical issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, regional security, and the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations. According to reports, Trump expressed strong support for India's fight against terrorism, particularly in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Modi, in turn, conveyed India's firm stance against terrorism, stating that it would no longer be treated as a proxy war but as an act of war.
This recent interaction reaffirms the strong bond between Trump and Modi, a relationship often described as a "bromance" in media circles. Even through Trump's absence from the White House between 2021 and 2025, the two leaders have maintained communication and mutual respect.
However, beneath the veneer of personal camaraderie, some disagreements have surfaced. Notably, a recent point of contention arose when President Trump claimed to have mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This assertion was swiftly refuted by Prime Minister Modi, who clarified that discussions regarding the cessation of military action occurred directly between New Delhi and Islamabad, at Pakistan's request. Modi firmly stated that India has never accepted third-party mediation and will never do so, emphasizing that there is complete political consensus on this issue within India.
Despite these differences, both leaders remain committed to advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership. During their phone conversation, they also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both agreed that direct talks are essential for peace. They further expressed their support for the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India set to host Quad Leaders for the first time later this year. Modi extended an invitation to Trump to attend the next Quad summit in India, which Trump accepted with enthusiasm.
The U.S. views India as a crucial counterweight to China in Asia and beyond. Both countries find common ground in addressing global issues and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region. While the relationship has become increasingly transactional, with both sides pursuing their respective policy interests, the strategic importance of the partnership remains undeniable.
