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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS March 27, 2026 Modi, Trump Discuss Importance Of Keeping Strait Of Hormuz Open EAM Jaishankar Meets Iranian Envoy, Appreciates Support For Indians In Tehran Amid West Asia Conflict I ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday and discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, U.S. envoy to India Sergio Gor and Modi said in separate posts on X. This was the first call between the two leaders since the U.S. and Israel launched co-ordinated attacks against Iran on February 28. “India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world,” Modi said in his post. The conflict has disrupted sectors from air travel to shipping and gas supplies, including by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a conduit for 40% of India’s crude oil imports. Modi told parliament on Monday that the crisis had triggered unprecedented challenges for India and added that the fundamentals of the Indian economy were strong and the country had adequate availability of petroleum, fertilisers and coal to weather trade and energy disruptions. AWhite House official confirmed the call be- tween Trump and Modi but did not comment on what was discussed. -Reuters A mid escalating regional tensions in theWest Asia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting on Tuesday with Iran’s Ambassador Mohammad Fathali and appreciated the support provided to Indians in Iran in “these challenging times.” In a post on X, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar de- tailed the meeting, stating, “Met with @IranAmbIndia Dr. Mohammad Fathali this afternoon. Discussed the conflict inWest Asia. Appreciate the support provided to Indians in Iran in these challenging times. @Iran_In_India.” Met with with @IranAmbIndia Dr. Mohammad Fathali this afternoon. Discussed the conflict inWest Asia. Ap- preciate the support provided to Indians in Iran in these challenging times. @Iran_In_India pic.twitter.com/XT- teQDIzsd —Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 24, 2026 This diplomatic meeting followed a critical high-level telephonic conversation held earlier on Tuesday between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Amid intensifying global efforts to secure vital energy cor- ridors, the two leaders discussed the prevailing conflict in West Asia, as regional tensions continue to impact global energy markets and maritime security. In a post on X, PMModi detailed the diplomatic exchange, stating, “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability.” US envoy Sergio Gor earlier confirmed the exchange, noting that the dialogue focused on the ongoing situa- tion, “Including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.” This outreach occurs as President Trump signalled a potential de-escalation in the US-Israel stand- off with Iran, noting on Monday that his administration was already engaged in “productive” talks with Tehran. -ANI PHOTO:REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE/FILE PHOTO U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. Ravishankar Bhooplapur Elected Chairman Of Association of Indians In America N EWYORK — Ravishankar Bhooplapur has been unanimously elected chairman of the Associa- tion of Indians in America (AIA), the organiza- tion announced. Bhooplapur, a longtime member of AIA, has served on its National Executive Committee and previ- ously chaired the group’s 40th and 50th anniversary celebrations. He currently serves as an AIA trustee and has been associated with the organization since 1993. AIA leaders said Bhooplapur’s appointment reflects his decades of service and commitment to the commu- nity, adding that the organization expects to expand its initiatives and outreach under his leadership. An education leader and philanthropist, Bhooplapur is the founder and president of Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba, a role he has held since 2008. The institution has graduated more than 1,300 physi- cians who now work in hospitals and clinics across the United States and other countries. The university has also expanded into veterinary and nursing education programs approved by the Government of Aruba. Bhooplapur’s contributions to education and public service have earned international recognition, including features in Forbes India and Outlook Magazine. He was named Person of the Year by The SouthAsian Times in 2022. Beyond higher education, Bhooplapur has been active in academic and community initiatives in the United States. He serves as a trustee of SUNY OldWestbury and has co-chaired its fundraising committee. He also contributed to the development of the Mahatma Gan- dhi Peace Garden, a 50-acre site promoting peace and intercultural understanding. His leadership roles have included work with the Stony Brook University Center for India Studies and the India Center at Jefferson University, among other organizations. Bhooplapur is also known for his humanitarian efforts. As founder and chairman of Gift of Life India and the Gift of India Project, he has helped facilitate more than 6,500 free heart surgeries for children with congenital heart disease, primarily from underserved communities. The surgeries have been conducted at hospitals across India and neighboring countries. His philanthropic initiatives have included estab- lishing a 100-bed charitable hospital in Ghataprabha, supporting blood banks, donating ambulances, funding a mobile cancer care unit and contributing to advanced cancer treatment infrastructure. His work has extended to more than 16 countries, including disaster relief and COVID-19 assistance. AIA officials said Bhooplapur’s leadership marks a new phase for the organization as it continues to focus on community development, education and service initiatives. By A StaffWriter PHOTO:RAVIB Ravishankar Bhooplapur elected chairman of Association of Indians in America US˨INDIA