Trump calls PM Modi a 'friend' after 'very good talk' — What did they discuss amid West Asia tensions?

US President Donald Trump on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “friend” and said he had a “very good talk” with the Indian leader. He made the remarks while responding to ANI’s question on his recent conversation with PM Modi.

Trump said he held a positive discussion with the Indian Prime Minister. He said, “I had a very good talk with him, and he's a friend of mine from India, and he's doing great. We had a very good conversation.”

PM Modi confirms call, highlights bilateral cooperation

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

The comments come days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that he had received a call from President Trump. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across different sectors.

PM Modi said both sides remain committed to strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States. He said discussions covered cooperation in multiple areas.

West Asia and maritime security discussed

The Prime Minister also said the two leaders discussed regional security issues. He said they talked about the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping key sea routes open and secure. He specifically referred to the need to ensure stability in critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also commented on the conversation between the two leaders. In a post on X, he described the exchange as a “very positive and productive call.” He added, “A very positive and productive call! Stay tuned...,” while responding to PM Modi’s post.

Israel and Lebanon agree to a 10-day ceasefire

Meanwhile, President Trump also announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire. He said the agreement followed intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities in the region.

Trump said he held “excellent conversations” with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the agreement was reached. He said both sides had agreed to a temporary truce as part of wider efforts toward peace.

He also said that Israel and Lebanon had met in Washington, D.C., for the first time in 34 years. He said the meeting took place with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

US outlines diplomatic push for lasting peace

Trump said senior US officials have been tasked with continuing diplomatic efforts. He named Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and senior military leadership as part of the process.

He said they have been directed to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a lasting peace. He added that the objective is to build on the temporary ceasefire and move toward a broader settlement.

Trump also said he had been involved in resolving conflicts globally. He said, “It has been my honour to solve 9 wars across the world, and this will be my 10th, so let's get it done.”

The developments come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Countries in the region and global powers continue to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and maintaining stability in key areas, including maritime routes and conflict-affected zones.

Both the India-US engagement and the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire announcement come at a time when international focus remains on regional security and diplomatic negotiations in West Asia.