Evian, France, June 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, marking their first in-person talks in more than 16 months and signaling efforts to move beyond trade and geopolitical tensions while stabilizing relations between the two democracies.
The renewed engagement began with a warm handshake during Tuesday’s G7 outreach session. By Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump were engaged in substantive discussions, with Trump describing the Indian leader as “calm and cool.”
The White House had earlier confirmed that the meeting would focus heavily on advancing the proposed India-US trade agreement.
Sources had also indicated that Modi and Trump were expected to discuss developments in West Asia, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, energy imports from the United States, and the proposed bilateral trade agreement during their meeting.
According to the sources, both countries are keen on building a long-term energy partnership, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation in the energy sector amid concerns over disruptions to global supply chains caused by tensions in West Asia.
The proposed India-US trade deal is in its final stages, with negotiations progressing steadily and work on the agreement expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The two nations reached an interim trade agreement earlier in February after a year of negotiations.
The meeting assumes added significance as instability in the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect global energy markets and maritime trade. The narrow waterway remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, handling a substantial portion of global oil and gas supplies.
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi raised concerns over disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz while addressing the Outreach Session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity” at the 52nd G7 Summit.
Addressing G7 leaders, including President Trump, Modi welcomed progress in peace efforts in West Asia but highlighted the humanitarian and economic consequences of the recent conflict.
“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives,” the prime minister said.
He stressed that lasting solutions to global conflicts can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
The prime minister also underscored the need to ensure the safety of seafarers involved in global maritime trade.
“Ensuring the safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our collective responsibility. We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear,” he said.
Modi’s remarks came against the backdrop of a recent maritime incident in the Gulf of Oman in which three Indian nationals lost their lives after a Palau-flagged oil tanker carrying a multinational crew was struck by US forces over an alleged violation of a blockade while reportedly transporting Iranian oil.
The prime minister reiterated that India stands ready to work with international partners to safeguard maritime routes and address emerging global challenges.
Modi also held bilateral meetings with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, during his bilateral meeting with Carney, both leaders “reviewed the excellent progress made in bilateral engagement and discussed ways to build a stronger partnership driven by trade, energy, innovation, education and people-to-people exchanges.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in the French city on Tuesday to attend the high-profile gathering following an official invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron.
The invitation marks India’s 13th appearance at the summit as a partner nation and the seventh consecutive time that Prime Minister Modi has participated in the global forum.
Before the session, Modi and Trump held a brief interaction following the traditional family photograph on the second day of the summit. (ANI)
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