India's Modi says he spoke with US President Trump over the phone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a phone conversation on Monday, marking their first discussion since Trump’s inauguration last week, Modi shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

"We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership," Modi stated in his post, adding that he had congratulated his "dear friend" on his historic second term in office.

"We will work together for the welfare of our people and for global peace, prosperity, and security," Modi added.

The United States is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $118 billion in 2023-24, including a $32 billion trade surplus in India’s favor.

Diplomats from both countries are working to arrange a meeting between the two leaders as early as February, Reuters reported last week.

India, a key strategic partner for the US in countering China’s influence, is eager to deepen trade ties and simplify the process for its citizens to obtain skilled worker visas.