France: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held wide-ranging talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, focusing on trade, defense, regional security, and the evolving situation in West Asia.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing risks faced by seafarers operating in the Gulf region and stressed that their safety should form an integral part of any future peace arrangement involving Iran.
Referring to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Modi said that uninterrupted maritime movement is essential for the global economy and reiterated India’s long-standing support for freedom of navigation.
PM Modi noted that lakhs of Indian seafarers are employed in international shipping and expressed confidence that any agreement aimed at restoring peace would include measures to ensure their safety and security.
The issue comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed when a merchant vessel was hit during a US military strike, bringing renewed attention to the dangers faced by commercial shipping crews in conflict zones.
Sharing my remarks during the meeting with President Trump.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/48Jqv6uka0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026
Progress on trade and bilateral cooperation
Opening the meeting, Modi recalled his previous discussions with Trump in Washington and said that India-US relations have continued to gain momentum across multiple sectors.
Narendra Modi emphasized that officials from both countries were working closely to achieve the goals set by the two leaders, expressing satisfaction over the pace of progress in ongoing engagements.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, energy, defense, technology, and people-to-people exchanges while also discussing efforts to conclude the proposed bilateral trade agreement.
Focus on peace in West Asia
Modi also welcomed ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in West Asia, saying lasting stability in the region is vital for global economic security.
In a post on X following the meeting, the Prime Minister said the two leaders reviewed the sustained progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional developments.
PM Modi reiterated that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open remains crucial for global trade and again underlined the need to ensure the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers.
Pleased to meet President Trump in Evian. We reviewed the sustained progress in our bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and people-to-people ties.
Conveyed India’s appreciation on the progress in the efforts for restoring peace and stability in West… pic.twitter.com/hEUfr5TOJx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026
Trump backs stronger India-US ties
President Trump described the meeting as ‘great’ and praised India’s growing role on the global stage.
Responding to a question on India’s role in West Asia, Trump said India would continue to play a significant role under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Trump also reaffirmed Washington’s support for New Delhi, stating that India would always have a friend in the United States while he remained in the White House.
