Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting Wednesday during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France [1, 3].
The meeting marks a critical attempt to align economic and security interests between two of the world's largest democracies. Discussions focused on a potential trade deal and the safety of Indian citizens in volatile maritime regions.
Trade and cooperation in energy and defense were central to the agenda [3]. Modi said he intended to raise the "aspirations of the Global South" during the summit [1]. This visit marks the eighth time India has been invited to a G7 summit [2].
Security issues in the Strait of Hormuz also featured prominently in the talks [1]. The leaders addressed the safety of Indian seafarers following recent U.S. military strikes that killed three Indian sailors [1].
Trump said the interaction was a "total killer" [1]. This meeting follows their last in-person encounter at the White House in February 2025 [3].
The G7 event in France is described as a three-day summit by some reports, though other sources identify it as a two-day event [2, 3]. The leaders used the sidelines of the broader summit to focus on specific bilateral frictions and opportunities.
“raise the "aspirations of the Global South"”
The meeting highlights the complex balancing act India maintains between its strategic partnership with the U.S. and its own national interests. By addressing the deaths of Indian sailors alongside trade negotiations, India is leveraging its position as a key G7 invitee to ensure the U.S. prioritizes the safety of Indian nationals during military operations in the Middle East.
