PM Modi, US Vice President JD Vance Discuss Deepening India-US Strategic Partnership Amid Global Tensions

New Delhi, August 9: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday. Both leaders deliberated on strategies to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across critical domains. In a subsequent post on X, PM Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to the US Vice President and Second Lady on the birth of their son, expressing well-wishes to the entire family.

Earlier, Vance announced plans to establish a safe commercial shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran's expressed reservations. Speaking to Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany, Vance stated that Tehran has agreed to prevent its vessels from attacking commercial ships. However, he expressed skepticism regarding Iran's commitment, noting that Washington lacks trust in Tehran's assurances.

Meanwhile, the US Senate passed a bipartisan bill on Friday that could empower President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries continuing to import Russian oil and gas. The legislation, known as the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to intensify economic pressure on Russia and Iran while imposing sanctions on entities linked to the nation's military actions in Ukraine.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed his country's willingness to continue diplomatic dialogue with the US, provided trust is restored. The controversial US legislation targets the world's leading purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, potentially impacting India, a significant importer of Russian crude. India's energy procurement policy underscores its commitment to national energy security and affordability, despite geopolitical considerations.