MEA Sets The Record Straight After Howard Lutnick’s ‘Modi Didn’t Speak’ Claim On India-US Trade Deal

India-US Trade Deal Clarification

• 💡 US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed the India-US trade deal failed due to a lack of personal outreach from PM Modi to President Trump.
• ✅ India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected this characterization as "not accurate," stating that discussions were close to a deal on several occasions.
• 📞 The MEA clarified that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump spoke eight times in 2025, demonstrating ongoing high-level engagement.
• 🤝 India remains interested in a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement with the US, emphasizing the complementary nature of their economies.

Energy Sourcing Policy

• ⚡ India's approach to energy sourcing, including Russian oil, is guided by evolving global market dynamics.
• 🎯 A key imperative is to provide affordable energy to its 1.4 billion people to meet their energy security needs.

Consular Matters

• ⚠️ An Indian veteran was arrested in Qatar last month; the Indian embassy is providing all possible consular assistance.
• ⚖️ The matter regarding the veteran is presently subjudice, limiting further comment from the MEA.

Diplomatic Engagements

• 🇩🇪 The German Chancellor will visit India on the 12th and 13th for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi in Ahmedabad.
• 💬 These discussions will cover all aspects of the bilateral relationship, including the case of an Indian child in German foster care.
• 🇻🇪 India is closely following developments in Venezuela and has advised its small community of Indian nationals there to stay in touch with the embassy.