G7 Summit: PM Modi, Prez Trump discussed West Asia, India-US trade deal & bilateral cooperation across sectors: MEA
Evian, June 18
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday in an official statement that Prime Minister Modi met the US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France's Evian and discussed end of West Asia conflict, significant progress in the India-US interim trade deal and bilateral cooperation in terms of defence, strategic technologies, energy, and trade sectors between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his efforts that had resulted in an understanding to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia and restore peace and stability across the broader region, the MEA statement said.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to ensure the safety of seafarer, the MEA statement added.
Taking to his official social media plaform X, PM Modi said: "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 Asia. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. Reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers."
"Both PM Modi and President Trump reviewed the substantial progress achieved under the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) since their meeting in Washington D.C. in February 2025," the MEA said in the statement.
The two leaders welcomed key developments across the defence, strategic technologies, energy, and bilateral trade sectors, the MEA statement added.
"The leaders noted with particular satisfaction the significant progress made in negotiations towards an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement and instructed their officials to work towards a "balanced, mutually beneficial, and commercially meaningful agreement at the earliest". The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, will be visiting India next week in this connection."
"Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across all domains for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people," the MEA added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some clear direction on West Asia—the conflict there has been dragging on for too long. India's role as a peace broker is increasing, and this is a big win for our diplomatic standing. The trade deal with US is also a step in right direction. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
I'm cautiously optimistic. The meeting sounds productive, but I recall similar promises during earlier summits that didn't materialize. Hope this trade deal is balanced and doesn't hurt our domestic industries. Also, why is the US Trade Representative visiting next week? Hope it's not arm-twisting on tariffs.
As an Indian living in the US, this makes me proud. Our PM is putting India on the global map. The defense cooperation and technology transfer are particularly exciting—imagine what we can achieve in space and AI together! 💪
Why is India always praising American leaders? We shouldn't become too dependent on the US. What about our traditional ties with Russia and Iran? Strait of Hormuz is important, but so are our relations with China. Need a more balanced foreign policy, not just following the West.
The safety of seafarers is a crucial point—many Indian sailors work in Gulf waters. Glad to see Modi raising this. Also, the COMPACT agreement on military partnership sounds strategic. But I worry about the cost of such deals; we must ensure it doesn't strain our budget. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.