Trump-Modi call spotlights Hormuz crisis as leaders discuss energy security, strategic ties

A day after ordering a US naval blockade of Iran’s ports and coastal areas, US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a 40-minute phone call on April 14, during which both leaders underscored the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

The conversation marked the first direct exchange between the two leaders since the US and Iran announced a conditional ceasefire last week.

In a post on X after the call, Modi said he reviewed with Trump the “substantial progress achieved in bilateral cooperation in various sectors” and reaffirmed commitment to deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

“We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” Modi said.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also confirmed the duration of the call, describing it as “a very positive and productive” conversation.

The two leaders had last spoken on March 24, their first interaction after the outbreak of the conflict on February 28. Both calls were initiated by Trump and featured discussions on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

The repeated emphasis on the waterway reflects growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supply chains. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime route through which nearly 20% of global energy supplies pass, including a significant share of Qatar’s gas exports.

Any closure or disruption has directly impacted Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait, while triggering higher global oil and gas prices and affecting cooking gas supplies in India and several other countries.

The leaders’ review of bilateral cooperation and renewed strategic commitments also suggests efforts to stabilise ties after strains last year following US tariff measures on Indian goods.

Following the call, Gor said several “big-ticket” agreements between India and the US could be finalised in the coming days and weeks, particularly in the energy sector.

“We have some big-ticket items that will be announced over the next few days or weeks, and the relationship is on a firm footing,” he said on the sidelines of an event marking the reopening of Roosevelt House, the US Embassy residence in Delhi.

According to Gor, Trump concluded the conversation by telling Modi: “I just want you to know we all love you.”

On West Asia, Gor said Trump sought to brief Modi on the evolving regional situation, including the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and concerns over Tehran’s obstruction of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“There’s only one reason prices have gone up. It is because somebody is holding this area hostage,” Gor said, adding that reopening the waterway would benefit the entire world, including India.

He said both leaders also discussed the urgency of restoring normal maritime movement, noting that continued disruption was hurting economies globally.

Gor further said the US was looking forward to an upcoming Quad ministerial meeting in India and highlighted the strategic importance Washington places on ties with New Delhi.

“India is vitally important to us. It’s an incredible partner, and the President also has an incredible relationship with your Prime Minister,” he said.