Vance’s surprise call to Modi sparks speculation on US-Iran help

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has triggered speculation that President Donald Trump may be seeking India's diplomatic support as the US struggles with its military campaign against Iran, according to a rediff.com analysis by former diplomat M K Bhadrakumar. Neither Washington nor New Delhi has explained the urgency of the call.

The call comes as Trump's 'maximum pressure' strategy against Iran is in ruins and the global balance of power shifts against the West, the analysis says. Bhadrakumar suggests Trump deputed Vance to appeal to Indian sensibilities, viewing Indians as a 'civilisation that cherishes kinships'. Modi's public post noted a discussion on deepening the 'India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership' and congratulations on the birth of Vance's son.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor followed up with meetings with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, but not External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, indicating the operational element fell under Doval's domain. Gor wrote on X that the US and India 'share many of the same goals' in addressing global security challenges. No further official readouts have been issued.