Modi, Trump discuss West Asia tensions, stress importance of Strait of Hormuz
NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone Tuesday to discuss escalating tensions in West Asia, including the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid growing regional instability.
“President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said in a post on X.
The call comes as conflict in the region intensifies following February 28 strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since launched drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli facilities, as well as allied positions and regional capitals.
The escalation has rattled global markets, with energy prices remaining highly sensitive to developments in the region, particularly given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments.
Modi and Trump have maintained a high-profile political relationship, marked by frequent engagements and public expressions of mutual support, particularly in areas such as trade, defense, and broader strategic cooperation.
Last November, Trump said he planned to visit India this year, with expectations that the trip could coincide with a summit of the Quad grouping, which includes India, the United States, Japan, and Australia and serves as a key platform for Indo-Pacific coordination.
Separately, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation Monday focused on the West Asia crisis and its broader economic implications.
“Had a detailed telecon this evening with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Our discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the international economy. We particularly spoke about energy security concerns. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
In a readout, the U.S. State Department said Rubio and Jaishankar discussed the situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation.
“Secretary Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.
“The two officials discussed the current situation in the Middle East,” he said.
“The Secretary and Minister agreed on the importance of continuing to work together to advance mutual priorities,” Pigott added. (Source: IANS)
