Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East situation and bilateral cooperation in their first phone call since Washington and Tehran struck a ceasefire deal. During the call that lasted about 40 minutes, the two leaders also stressed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.India and the US are committed to strengthening their strategic partnership in all areas, PM Modi said in an online post after the phone call.
"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors," the post said. "We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he added.
US envoy to India Sergio Gor described the call as "very positive and productive."
Speaking to news agency soon after, he said that President Trump keeps PM Modi updated regularly.
"They just got off the phone a few minutes ago. The president gave an update on what is happening in the Middle East, along with some of the big-ticket items happening in Washington between the United States and India," Gor said.Asked if he sees India playing a potential role in the peace process, Gor said that the US would welcome New Delhi's involvement.
During the call, Trump told PM Modi, "I just want you to know we all love you," the US envoy told news agency PTI.
The two leaders had last spoken on March 24, during which PM Modi told Trump that India supports de-escalation and the restoration of peace in the Middle East at the earliest. The two leaders had also discussed that the Strait of Hormuz remaining open, secure, and accessible is essential for the world.
The US and Iran are in the middle of a two-week fragile ceasefire as efforts continue for a second round of talks after failed negotiations in Pakistan over the weekend.
The latest call between PM Modi and Trump comes a day after the US enforced a fresh blockade of Iranian ports, as Tehran continues to block selective vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In another phone call on February 2, the two leaders had discussed progress on the bilateral trade deal.
