Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprise live phone call to an event hosted at the U.S. embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. During the unscheduled appearance, Mr. Trump publicly expressed his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "I love Prime Minister Modi."

The event, described as a reception for members of the Indian diaspora and diplomatic staff, was underway when the live phone patch was initiated. Attendees, including prominent figures from the Indian-American community, were reportedly surprised by Mr. Trump's intervention. During his brief remarks, the former President extended his greetings and spoke about his past interactions with Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing a positive sentiment towards India and its leadership. The spontaneous nature of the call meant it was not listed on the embassy’s official agenda for the day.

This public declaration by Mr. Trump echoes the strong personal rapport that characterized his relationship with Prime Minister Modi during his tenure as U.S. President from 2017 to 2021. Their interactions often highlighted a mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and India. Key moments of their past collaboration include:

  • The "Howdy, Modi!" rally in Houston, Texas, in September 2019, where both leaders addressed a large gathering of Indian-Americans.
  • Mr. Trump's state visit to India in February 2020, which featured a massive rally at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, drawing an estimated 100,000 attendees.
  • Regular bilateral meetings and discussions on international forums, focusing on trade, defense, and counter-terrorism initiatives.

The timing of Mr. Trump’s call is notable, occurring as India concludes its multi-phase general election, with results anticipated in early June. Simultaneously, the United States is in the midst of its own presidential election campaign, where Mr. Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee. Observers interpret such an unsolicited endorsement as potentially reinforcing the perceived strong ties between the two political figures, regardless of their current or future official capacities. The event underscores the enduring connection between the former U.S. President and the incumbent Indian Prime Minister.

The U.S. embassy in New Delhi has not issued an official statement regarding the specifics or context of the unscheduled call. Diplomatic channels and international observers continue to monitor such interactions, particularly within the dynamic landscape of global election cycles and evolving geopolitical alliances. The event concluded with attendees discussing the unexpected engagement from the former American leader.