Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a high-stakes bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, marking their first in-person talks in over 16 months. The meeting aimed to reset ties and move past trade and geopolitical tensions that had strained relations between the two democracies.
The talks began with a warm handshake on Tuesday during the G7 outreach session, and by Wednesday, the two leaders were engaged in serious discussions. President Trump described Prime Minister Modi as "calm and cool" during their interaction.
Focus on Trade and Energy
The White House had earlier confirmed that the meeting would prioritize advancing the proposed India-US trade agreement. Sources indicated that discussions also covered the situation in West Asia, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and energy imports from the United States. Both countries are keen on building a long-term energy partnership 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. Work on the agreement is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The two nations had reached an interim trade agreement in February after a year of talks.
Strait of Hormuz and Maritime Security
The meeting assumes significance as instability in the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global energy markets and maritime trade. The narrow waterway, one of the world's most critical shipping routes, handles a substantial portion of global oil and gas supplies.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi raised concerns over the impact of disruptions in 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. He 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. PM Modi 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.
PM Modi's remarks came after a recent maritime incident in the Gulf of Oman where three Indian nationals lost their lives when a Palau-flagged oil tanker was struck by US forces over an alleged blockade violation while reportedly transporting Iranian oil.
Bilateral Meetings with Other Leaders
In addition to the meeting with President Trump, PM Modi also held bilateral meetings with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During his 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.
PM Modi arrived in Evian on Tuesday following an official invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. This marks India's 13th appearance at the G7 Summit as a partner nation and the seventh consecutive time the Prime Minister is participating in the global forum.
Prior to the outreach session, PM Modi and President Trump held a brief interaction after the traditional family photograph on the second day of the summit.
