NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the India-US strategic partnership during a telephone conversation on Wednesday, with trade, defence, energy and emerging technologies featuring among the areas of cooperation.

According to the Indian side, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close engagement to deepen bilateral cooperation.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including efforts related to global peace and security.

The conversation took place as India and the United States continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in the United States from September 29 to October 5 for discussions on an interim trade arrangement as well as the broader trade agreement.

Trade has remained an important part of the India-US engagement, with both sides working through differences over tariffs and market access. The current discussions are aimed at exploring terms for an arrangement that can address the interests of both countries.

Alongside trade, the latest conversation between Modi and Trump covered areas including defence, energy and critical and emerging technologies. These sectors have become increasingly important in the broader India-US strategic relationship.

The two countries have also been expanding cooperation in areas such as technology, energy security and defence production. The leaders’ latest conversation provides an additional channel for continued high-level engagement while officials work on specific areas of bilateral cooperation.

The US and India are also engaging through multilateral forums, including the G20, where trade and economic issues remain part of the wider agenda.

The latest phone call comes at a time when negotiations on trade are continuing and both governments are maintaining discussions on broader bilateral and international issues.