New Delhi, 30 September 2026 (Ghufran): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have agreed to maintain close engagement to advance the two countries’ strategic partnership, as India seeks an interim trade arrangement with the United States. During a telephone conversation, Modi and Trump reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies, while also exchanging views on regional and international issues, including efforts to promote global peace and security. India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the United States from September 29 to October 5 for talks on a proposed bilateral trade agreement and an interim arrangement. Goyal is expected to meet US officials as part of efforts to advance a “balanced and mutually beneficial” India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. During his visit, Goyal attended a G20 trade ministers’ meeting in Wisconsin and held discussions with senior executives from US manufacturing and technology companies. He was also scheduled to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the G20 gathering. India and the United States have yet to reach a final agreement after months of negotiations, with New Delhi seeking improved terms under the proposed deal. Earlier this month, India said it had informed Washington that new US tariff measures linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil could affect bilateral relations.