Trump Calls Modi 'Friend' Amid West Asia Ceasefire Tensions

Modi Highlights Strong India-US Partnership

The two leaders spoke over phone on Tuesday reviewing bilateral ties and sharing views over the West Asian situation where USA and Israel have commenced military operations against Iran. They discussed and reviewed West Asia situation and strategic issues, particularly maritime security.
"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," PM Modi had said in a post on social media platform X.

It was the third phone call this year and first after the peace talks between Iran and USA that concluded early this week and had also come after two previous telephone conversations earlier this year when the two leaders had spoken on February 2 following an announcement of an advancement in trade deal, and on March 24 discussing West Asia.

Israel-Lebanon Agree to 10-Day Ceasefire

Meanwhile President Trump announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire after increased diplomacy attempts over heightened conflict in the West Asia region. He said he had been part of "excellent conversations" with Lebanese president Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that they had mutually agreed on a truce between their respective countries as part of peace efforts.

Vance, Rubio Lead US Peace Talks

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as senior military officers had also been appointed to carry on the peace efforts.
"I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan 'Razin' Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a lasting peace. It has been my honour to solve 9 wars across the world, and this will be my 10th, so let's get it done!" Trump said.
All the above developments have taken place as West Asia is gripped by intense geopolitical activities, with world powers stepping up diplomatic endeavors to stave off further escalation of conflict in the region.