Modi-Trump G7 Meeting: What The MEA Revealed
EVIAN, FRANCE — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump reviewed progress on an interim bilateral trade agreement and discussed expanding cooperation in defense, strategic technologies, energy and trade during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on June 18.
In an official statement, the MEA said Modi commended Trump for efforts aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East and restoring peace and stability in the region.
Modi also underlined the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce through the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers.
According to the MEA, the two leaders reviewed progress achieved under the India-U.S. COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) initiative since their meeting in Washington in February 2025.
The leaders welcomed developments across the defense, strategic technologies, energy and bilateral trade sectors and expressed satisfaction with progress in negotiations toward an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement.
“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 MEA said.
The ministry added that U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week as discussions continue.
The safety of Indian seafarers also figured in the discussions. During the bilateral meeting, Trump acknowledged concerns about Indian sailors affected by recent regional tensions and said Washington would continue to work with New Delhi on maritime security issues.
“It’s a rough profession, there’s no question about it, and we work together on it,” Trump said. “We love all of those people, they’re great people.”
Trump also voiced support for continued opportunities for highly skilled Indian professionals in the United States.
“We’ve always had tremendous relationships in terms of employment with India. Very talented people,” he said.
The MEA said Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries and their people. (IANS)
