Kathmandu— Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance held a telephone conversation on Saturday to discuss ways to deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across several key areas. The discussion occurred as the United States moves toward stricter economic measures regarding global energy trade and regional maritime security.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

During the call, Prime Minister Modi expressed his desire to further expand the strategic cooperation between the two nations. In a post on X, the Prime Minister noted that the leaders discussed ways to deepen the partnership across key sectors.

In addition to discussing policy and strategic cooperation, the Prime Minister extended warm congratulations to Vice President Vance and the Second Lady on the birth of their son.

New US Sanctions and Tariffs

The diplomatic engagement follows the US Senate's overwhelming 86-11 vote to pass the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation grants the US president discretionary authority to levy tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that continue to import Russian oil and gas.

The legislation specifically targets the world's top five buyers of Russian crude or natural gas, a group that includes India and China. The measure is designed to force energy-importing nations to choose between discounted Russian energy and access to the US market, aiming to restrict financial flows that support Moscow's military operations in Ukraine.

Regional Security and Energy Flows

The discussions come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Vice President Vance stated that Washington is working to establish a safe route for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining pressure on Iran.

While Tehran has reportedly indicated it would allow the maximum flow of oil through the strait, Vance noted that the US administration does not trust those assurances. "We're talking to the Iranians, of course. We're trying to maximise the amount of oil and gas that is coming out of the Strait of Hormuz," Vance said during an interview on Fox News.

India's Energy Security Strategy

India has significantly increased its procurement of discounted Russian crude since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. This shift was driven by the need to secure national energy requirements and optimize raw material costs during periods of global market turmoil.

New Delhi has maintained that its energy procurement strategy is guided strictly by national interest, energy security, and the necessity of guaranteeing affordable and reliable energy for its citizens.

The new US legislation seeks to escalate economic pressure on Russia and Iran by targeting energy developments and entities linked to Russia's war effort.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.