US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for their first face-to-face interaction in nearly 16 months at the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France. The meeting, scheduled on the summit's sidelines, represents one of the most significant diplomatic interactions of the week amid complex global challenges. According to UNI, the first visible gesture occurred on Tuesday during the summit's opening session, where Modi and Trump shared a closely watched handshake and brief exchange. This public moment signals sustained political commitment from both nations at the highest level, with diplomatic channels remaining active despite the prolonged gap between their last meeting at the White House in February 2025.
The meeting comes amid ongoing bilateral tensions following the deaths of three Indian sailors in recent US military strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by Business Standard, Trump acknowledged these losses during the meeting, stating 'I heard about that. It is a rough profession. We're working at it.' The strikes involved commercial vessels near the Gulf region, with the US Central Command targeting the Marivex on June 8, Settebello on June 9, and MT Jalveer on June 11, alleging they were attempting to breach the US blockade of Iranian ports. India summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and conveyed that the military's strikes were 'unacceptable'. Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Indian seafarers' safety during the joint briefing, stressing that 'the security of lakhs of Indian sailors is of paramount importance to India' and expressing hope that ensuring seafarer safety would be a key part of any agreement reached with Iran.
The leaders' interaction marks their first face-to-face meeting in nearly 16 months, following their last meeting at the White House in February 2025. According to Business Standard, relations between the two countries have been strained by several factors including US punitive tariffs on Indian goods, Trump's claims of helping end the India-Pakistan military confrontation in May 2024, and implementation of stricter US immigration measures and increased H-1B visa fees. However, during the latest meeting, Trump expressed confidence in India's future role, stating 'India can play big role in West Asia and beyond as long as Modi is leader' and noting that 'in India everyone has tremendous respect for PM Modi.' The leaders also discussed ongoing trade negotiations, with Trump saying 'We're working on it' on Indian seafarers killed in the Strait of Hormuz, and both countries are reportedly working on important trade deals. Trump added a condition to his security assurance, stating 'Now if there's a new leader, I'm not sure about it' - 'If they're attacked and he's the leader, we're going to be there to help.'
The summit agenda includes addressing geopolitical crises, supporting Ukraine, combating organized crime and digital threats, and enhancing frameworks for global governance. According to UNI, the recent US-Iran agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz adds a new dimension to the talks, with India's concerns over regional stability and citizen safety expected to be raised. Prime Minister Modi addressed maritime security concerns during the G7 outreach session on Tuesday, stressing the need to 'keep maritime routes secure and ensure that seafarers can carry out their duties safely and without fear.' Modi welcomed Trump's efforts in West Asia and expressed confidence that 'the issue of seafarers' welfare will receive the highest priority during the implementation of this agreement.' The leaders also discussed international issues, with Trump reiterating his desire to see an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and criticizing Iran, stating 'Iran took advantage of the world for 48 years.'
During the G7 summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced significant progress on India-EU trade relations. According to Business Standard, von der Leyen stated that 'since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments. We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year.' She added that 'we will also step up security & defence cooperation' and 'join forces for better connectivity by advancing IMEC, the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor.' Prime Minister Modi held a trilateral meeting with von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, where he said 'it was wonderful meeting European officials in Evian earlier today. At the start of this year, India was proud to host them for our Republic Day celebrations. This has been a great time for India-EU ties as we have concluded the Free Trade Agreement.'
