EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France to underscore the strength of U.S.-India relations, despite recent tensions over trade disputes and the deaths of three Indian mariners in a U.S. military strike in the Gulf of Oman.
The talks took place in Évian-les-Bains, where Modi attended the summit as a guest of French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting marked the first in-person discussion between Trump and Modi since the Indian leader’s visit to Washington in early 2025.
Trump sought to dismiss suggestions of friction between the two countries, describing Modi as a close friend and praising his negotiating skills. The U.S. president said relations between the two nations remained exceptionally strong and suggested that ongoing trade negotiations were nearing completion.
Maritime Safety Emerges as Key Concern
While emphasizing the broader partnership, Modi directly raised concerns about maritime security following the deaths of three Indian sailors in a recent U.S. military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman. India’s Foreign Ministry has formally protested the incident.
Modi noted that large numbers of Indian citizens work aboard commercial vessels worldwide and stressed the importance of protecting seafarers operating in critical shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed confidence that maritime security would be addressed as part of efforts to implement a broader U.S.-Iran understanding aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
Responding to questions about the deaths of the sailors, Trump acknowledged the risks faced by maritime workers and expressed sympathy for those affected.
Trade Negotiations Continue
Economic issues also featured prominently in the discussions. Relations between Washington and New Delhi have faced pressure in recent years due to U.S. tariffs on Indian exports and American criticism of India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.
Despite those disagreements, officials from both countries have continued negotiations on a broader trade framework. Trump said a new agreement was “very close,” while U.S. officials have indicated that additional talks are expected in the coming weeks.
The leaders also discussed economic cooperation, supply chains, artificial intelligence, investment partnerships and global security issues, according to reports surrounding the summit.
Longstanding Personal Rapport
Trump and Modi developed a notably close public relationship during Trump’s first presidency, highlighted by large public events in both countries, including the “Howdy Modi” gathering in Houston and Trump’s 2020 visit to India.
However, changing geopolitical dynamics, including disagreements over trade and India’s relationship with Russia, have complicated bilateral ties during Trump’s current term.
Even so, both leaders used the G7 meeting to signal that strategic cooperation remains intact. Modi described bilateral ties as gaining “new speed and new energy,” while Trump indicated that India would continue to play an important role on global issues.
Although unresolved issues remain, the meeting demonstrated a mutual effort to prevent recent disputes from overshadowing a partnership that both governments continue to describe as strategically important.
Tags: India, United States, Narendra Modi, Donald Trump, G7 Summit, Trade Relations, Maritime Security, Gulf of Oman
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