US President Donald Trump said he had a "very good talk" with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while expressing optimism over ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in West Asia, including a proposed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
"I had a very good talk with him... he's doing great," Trump said of Modi, describing the exchange as positive and reflective of strengthening bilateral engagement.
In the same interaction with White House reporters, Trump also indicated the possibility of future travel to Pakistan if a diplomatic agreement in the region materialises. "I would go to Pakistan, yeah... Islamabad, I'll be — I might go," he said, adding, "If the deal is signed in Islamabad, I might go... they want me."
He spoke positively about Pakistan as well, saying, "Pakistan has been great, they've been so great," underscoring Washington's broader diplomatic outreach across South Asia.
Trump's remarks come as the United States pursues multiple diplomatic tracks across the Middle East, including negotiations with Iran and efforts to halt hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. He said a ceasefire arrangement involving Israel and Lebanon was taking shape and could include Hezbollah, describing it as a "very nice little package" that could materialise within days.
He added that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon's leadership, and suggested that direct meetings involving regional stakeholders could take place soon, possibly even at the White House. "It's very exciting because it's 48 years," he said, referring to long-standing regional tensions.
On Hezbollah, Trump said he expected compliance with the proposed ceasefire, adding, "I think they will," while stressing the goal of reducing violence and moving toward peace between Israel and Lebanon. He indicated progress could come "over the next week or two," and said Lebanon would play a role in managing Hezbollah-related concerns.
The broader geopolitical developments come as global commodity markets react to easing tensions. International crude oil prices slipped about 2 per cent as hopes of de-escalation in West Asia improved sentiment. Brent crude and US WTI both declined in early trade after recent gains, while MCX crude oil also saw pressure amid expectations of improved regional stability.
Meanwhile, Trump also highlighted diplomatic engagement with India beyond regional security, noting a "very good talk" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting continued high-level communication between Washington and New Delhi.
In a separate development, the United States Embassy in India shared Trump's message congratulating former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu on becoming Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, praising his long diplomatic career and contributions to India-US relations.
Sandhu, a veteran diplomat who served as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024, was sworn in as Delhi's Lieutenant Governor on March 11. He has since called for a "solution-oriented approach" to governance and development in the national capital.
The developments highlight Washington's widening diplomatic outreach across South Asia and the Middle East as it seeks progress on Iran negotiations, regional de-escalation, and strengthened bilateral ties with key partners.
(With inputs from IANS)
