Thaw in ties? PM Modi dials 'friend' Trump, congratulates him on Gaza truce

In what could be seen as a further thaw in ties between New Delhi and Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dialled US President Donald Trump to discuss the trade negotiations. PM Modi also congratulated Trump on the success of the Gaza peace deal.

This was the second phone call between the two leaders within a month. On September 17, Trump called Modi to wish him on his birthday.

Referring to Trump as his 'friend', the prime minister posted on X, "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."

This comes days after Modi welcomed the efforts of Trump and Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to bring an end to the hostilities. "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu," the PM posted.

"We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," he said.

Hamas announced that it has reached a hostage-ceasefire agreement with Israel during negotiations in Egypt. The hostages and Palestinian prisoners would be exchanged within 72 hours of the truce coming into force.

During the first phase, Hamas is expected to exchange 20 surviving hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Trump is likely to arrive in Jerusalem on Sunday when the ceasefire is expected to begin.

India