Trump, Modi discuss Middle East situation, stress security of Hormuz in 40-minute call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (14 April) said he held a nearly 40-minute phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and underscored the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas," Modi said in a post on X.

"We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he added.

The leaders spoke for nearly 40 minutes, marking their second conversation since the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on 28 February, PTI reported, citing US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

Sergio Gor said some big-ticket agreements between the two countries, including in the energy sector, are expected to be finalised in the coming days and weeks.

He also noted that the issue of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz figured prominently during the latest discussion.

Earlier, Modi and Trump had spoken on 2 February, when they announced progress on a bilateral trade deal.

The call ended on a warm note, with Trump telling Modi, "I just want you to know we all love you," according to the US ambassador.

Indian FM speaks to his Israel counterpart about Mideast situation

Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today spoke to Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon.

Jaishankar wrote in a social media post that his discussion with Sa'ar covered "different aspects of the West Asia situation." He did not elaborate.

"Had a telecon this afternoon with Israel FM @gidonsaar. Our discussion covered different aspects of the West Asia situation," he posted on X.

It was the first conversation between Jaishankar and Sa'ar since the ceasefire between US-Israel and Iran.

The Israeli foreign minister wrote on X: "A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India's Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon."

Sa'ar said "I also said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf."

The call between the two foreign ministers came four days after the 10 April statement from MEA which had expressed "deep concern" over the large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon in Israeli air strikes and underlined that "observing international law, and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is essential".

Jaishankar said he also discussed the West Asia situation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. "Appreciated the exchange of views today with @SenatorWong of Australia on the West Asia conflict," he posted on X.