3 weeks ago
PM Modi, VP Vance Discuss Deepening India-US Strategic Partnership
India's leader, Narendra Modi, got a phone call from the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, on a Saturday.
The two men talked about how India and America can be better partners and work together in trade, defence, technology and energy.
Mr. Modi also congratulated Mr. Vance and his wife, Usha, on the birth of their baby boy.
This call happened at a busy time, because the day before, America's Senate passed a new rule that could charge very high fees, called tariffs, on countries that keep buying oil from Russia.
India buys oil from Russia, so this rule could be a problem for India.
India and America are also trying to agree on a trade deal about buying and selling things with each other, and both hope to finish it soon.
Mr. Vance also talked about keeping ships safe in an important waterway called the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Iran promised to let oil flow through, but America does not fully trust that promise.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Vance hope India and America can stay good friends while they work out these problems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday to discuss deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across trade, defence, energy security and critical technologies.
Modi congratulated Vance and Second Lady Usha on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family.
The call came a day after the US Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-11 vote, which could let President Donald Trump impose tariffs of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian energy including India; the bill still needs approval from the US House of Representatives.
India and the US are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement after reaching an interim framework in February 2026, with a senior US official saying in July the deal could conclude within three to four months.
Vance told Fox News that Washington is working to establish a safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran promised maximum oil flow but "we don't trust it."
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance, who with Second Lady Usha recently welcomed a new son
- What
- A phone call to deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other key areas
- Where
- A telephone call between India and the United States
- When
- Saturday, August 8, 2026, a day after the US Senate passed the Russia-Iran sanctions bill
- Why
- To advance the strategic partnership and ongoing trade negotiations amid US sanctions pressure over India's Russian oil purchases and West Asia tensions, including a mutual defence pact signed by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
Washington's View
New Delhi's View
Russian Oil Sanctions
Washington's View
The US Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, arguing such trade sustains Moscow's economy and funds its military operations in Ukraine.
New Delhi's View
India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude alongside China, maintains that its energy purchases are guided strictly by national interest, energy security and the need for affordable, reliable energy for its citizens, and has in the past called such moves unfair since Russian exports are also bought by other countries.
Trade Agreement Negotiations
Washington's View
A senior US official said in July the bilateral trade deal could be concluded within three to four months, with talks focused on market access, tariffs and economic cooperation; Modi and Trump instructed officials in June to work towards a balanced, mutually beneficial agreement.
New Delhi's View
An Indian parliamentary panel urged an early conclusion of the trade pact with safeguards against US tariff measures, and New Delhi wants 'a competitive advantage' before signing; India has also faced friction from US tariff moves such as the Section 301 forced-labour tariff imposed last month and higher H1B visa fees.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route
Washington's View
Vance says Washington is working to establish a safe route for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz while continuing to pressure Iran, and does not trust Tehran's assurance that it will not fire on commercial vessels.
New Delhi's View
Tehran has told Washington it will allow the maximum flow of oil through the strait, while India relies on the waterway for energy supplies and expanded discounted Russian crude purchases amid transit disruptions there.
Key facts
- Leaders
- PM Narendra Modi (India) and US Vice President JD Vance
- Date of call
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Main topic
- Deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across trade, defence, energy security and critical technologies
- US Senate vote
- Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed 86-11 on Friday, a day before the call
- Tariff provision
- Up to 100% tariffs on imports from the world's top five buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, including India and China
- Bill status
- Must still clear the US House of Representatives before becoming law
- Sanctions targets
- Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy developments and reflagged oil tankers
- Trade talks
- Interim India-US trade framework reached in February 2026; senior US official said in July the deal could conclude within three to four months
Quotes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
“Received a phone call from US Vice President JD Vance. We discussed ways to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas. Warmly congratulated him and the second lady on the birth of their son and conveyed best wishes to the entire family.”
telegraphindia.com
thehansindia.com
freepressjournal.in
news18.com
thestatesman.com
“We're talking to the Iranians, of course. We're trying to maximise the amount of oil and gas that is coming out of the Strait of Hormuz.”
freepressjournal.in
thestatesman.com
Sources
PM Modi speaks to JD Vance, discusses ways to deepen India-US strategic partnership
Vance dials PM Modi day after Senate clears 100% tariff bill, discusses ways to expand India-US partnership
Modi, Vance discuss India-US ties amid Russia sanctions Bill
PM Modi, US Vice President JD Vance Discuss Deepening India-US Strategic Partnership Amid Global Tensions
PM Modi Speaks With JD Vance, Discusses India-US Strategic Partnership
JD Vance dials PM Modi, discusses ways to deepen India-US ties
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