Evian, France, June 17 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described New Delhi as an essential partner in addressing regional challenges, saying India is a “trusted ally” and is playing a “big role” in efforts to resolve the crisis in West Asia.
Trump made the remarks after high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where the two leaders addressed maritime security, economic cooperation, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Gulf region.
When asked whether he expects India to play a role in West Asia, Trump said, “Yes, I do. I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role.”
The American leader also highlighted the strong personal rapport and institutional momentum between the two democracies, noting that substantial progress had been made on commercial negotiations and emphasizing that the two countries were “very close” to finalizing a trade agreement.
Acknowledging Washington’s diplomatic efforts, Prime Minister Modi commended Trump’s initiatives to advance peace in West Asia and expressed hope that peace in the Gulf region would become permanent.
“I commend you for your leadership on the progress in peace efforts in West Asia,” Modi said.
He also stressed the importance of stability in the Gulf, saying that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy.
The prime minister advocated for the protection of commercial crew members operating in volatile maritime zones and raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers amid tensions in the Gulf region.
Asserting that the welfare of Indian sailors remains a priority, Modi said, “I believe the safety of Indian seafarers is critical.”
He added that he was confident the security of seafarers would receive priority under the emerging peace framework in the region.
The high-stakes dialogue carried significant strategic importance, marking the first in-person interaction between Modi and Trump in more than 16 months. The meeting came at a time when tensions in West Asia, maritime security concerns, and trade negotiations are shaping global diplomacy.
The engagement in the French commune of Évian-les-Bains also took place against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical developments in West Asia and ongoing efforts by India and the United States to deepen their strategic partnership.
The warm exchange aligns with previous public remarks made by the US president regarding the Indian leader.
Trump has frequently spoken about his rapport with Modi and has often praised the prime minister’s leadership style.
Earlier this month, Trump congratulated Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving continuously elected prime minister and described him as a “strong, healthy and wise man.” (ANI)
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