'Strait of Hormuz vital for global economy': PM Modi tells Trump
Evian, June 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, where the two leaders reviewed sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, defence, technology and people‑to‑people ties.
PM Modi said India appreciated the progress made toward restoring peace and stability in West Asia, noting that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was vital to the global economy.
He reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers, in the region.
The meeting between PM Modi and President Donald Trump comes at a time when India‑US relations have been marked by growing strategic convergence.
Bilateral trade has expanded steadily, with both nations working to resolve market access issues and strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, clean energy and defence production.
Energy security remains a key pillar of the partnership, with India diversifying its crude oil imports and the US emerging as a significant energy supplier.
Defence ties have also deepened, with joint exercises, technology transfers and procurement agreements reinforcing strategic trust.
The leaders' discussion on West Asia reflects India's longstanding concern over regional stability. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has witnessed tensions in recent years.
India, heavily dependent on energy imports, has consistently emphasised the need for unhindered maritime trade and protection of seafarers.
President Donald Trump's engagement with Prime Minister Modi at Evian underscores the importance both nations attach to their partnership, not only in bilateral terms but also in addressing global challenges.
The interaction is expected to further consolidate India‑US cooperation in areas ranging from economic growth to regional security.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It’s reassuring to see PM Modi taking proactive steps on global platforms like G7. Energy security is a huge concern for India, and the US is becoming a reliable supplier. But I hope the focus on West Asia doesn’t dilute attention from our own neighbourhood issues. Still, this meeting shows India is no longer a silent spectator in global geopolitics. 🇮🇳
Good diplomacy, but let’s not forget that while Modi talks about stability, our own domestic energy prices are sky-high. What’s the point of securing oil routes if the common man can’t afford petrol and diesel? 😞 Also, Trump is a transactional leader – we need to see concrete outcomes, not just photo ops. Hope the trade issues get resolved soon.
The Strait of Hormuz is critical, but we must also diversify our energy sources. India’s investment in renewables and nuclear power should accelerate so we’re less vulnerable to such geopolitical flashpoints. On the defence front, joint exercises with the US are excellent, but we need more indigenous manufacturing instead of just buying their equipment.
Modi ji is playing the global statesman role well, but I worry about over-reliance on the US. We have strategic interests in West Asia that go beyond oil – our diaspora and trade ties with Iran, Saudi, and UAE are huge. Balancing relations with all powers is a tightrope walk. At least he’s putting India’s concerns on the table. 🙏
P Priya S Finally We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.