<h1>US President calls Indian Prime Minister to exchange Diwali greetings amid tensions over 50% and 25% tariffs</h1> The US President called the Indian Prime Minister to convey Diwali greetings amid strained bilateral ties stemming from recently imposed US tariffs - a 50% general levy affecting Indian goods and a referenced 25% tariff tied to India's procurement of Russian oil. The call followed public claims by the US President that India would stop buying Russian crude, which India denied. The exchange, the third known call since mid-September, occurred alongside high-level diplomatic engagements including a meeting between the US Ambassador-designate and Indian officials as both sides seek to manage trade friction and broader strategic cooperation.