New Delhi, August 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US Vice President JD Vance over the phone and discussed ways to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across key areas.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said the two leaders discussed measures to deepen bilateral cooperation. Modi also congratulated Vance and the Second Lady on the birth of their son and conveyed his best wishes to the family.
The conversation comes amid developments related to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and US efforts to facilitate the safe movement of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. Vance said Washington was working with Iran to establish a route for commercial shipping while maintaining pressure on Tehran.
Vance said the US was seeking to maximise the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran had indicated it would allow commercial vessels and energy shipments to pass, although Washington remained cautious about the commitment.
Meanwhile, the US Senate on Friday passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-11 vote. The legislation would give the US President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil or natural gas, including major buyers such as India and China.
The proposed legislation also includes sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, energy projects and entities linked to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. It further provides for sanctions on oil tankers allegedly used to bypass international restrictions on Russian energy exports.
India remains one of the major buyers of Russian crude oil. New Delhi increased purchases of discounted Russian crude after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022, citing energy security and the need to maintain affordable and reliable supplies.
The Indian government has maintained that its energy procurement decisions are based on national interest, energy security and the requirement to ensure stable energy supplies for the country.