Key Highlights
- PM Modi and President Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France on June 17, 2026.
- Modi urged Trump to include seafarer safety provisions in the proposed peace deal with Iran.
- Three Indian crew members were killed in US military strikes on merchant vessels off Oman.
- Trump praised Modi as a 'tough negotiator' and said India has a friend in the US as long as he is in the White House.
- Both leaders discussed repairing bilateral ties that have been under strain over tariffs, immigration, and the India-Pakistan conflict.
Details of the Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 17, 2026. The meeting came amid growing outrage in India over the killing of three Indian crew members of a merchant ship in American military strikes off the coast of Oman.
In his televised comments, Modi complimented Trump for his efforts towards ending the West Asia conflict and brought up the issue of the safety of lakhs of Indian seafarers operating in key maritime zones. He hoped that the peace deal with Iran would have provisions for the security of the seafarers.
“Mr President, you and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. India has consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, and we should work together on it,” Modi said.
“Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working across the global maritime trade routes, and their safety is of utmost importance to us. You made tremendous efforts towards reaching this understanding (peace agreement with Iran). I am confident that the issue of safety of seafarers will receive the highest priority in the implementation of this agreement,” he added.
Trump's Remarks
President Trump described the meeting as “great” and heaped praise on Modi. Without giving a timeline, he said he will travel to India. “People say he is such a nice man. I said he’s very tough. He’s a tough negotiator, and he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the U.S.,” Trump said.
Trump also described India as a major global player. “I think India plays a big role in everything as long as he (PM Modi) is the leader. India is going to play a big role,” he said in response to a question on whether New Delhi has a role to play in West Asia.
“As long as I am at the White House, India has a friend in the U.S.,” he said, answering a question on the strain in India-US ties.
To a question on the deaths of three Indian seafarers, Trump said he was aware of it. “I heard about that (the deaths), it’s a rough profession, no question about it,” he said, adding, “We will work together.”
Answering another question, Trump said the US will extend support to India if it faces any security challenges or attack. He also sounded optimistic about the proposed trade deal between India and the US.
Background of Strained Ties
Relations between India and the US witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India, and President Trump made assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India–Pakistan military clashes of May 2025 that drew sharp reaction from Indian officials. Over the next few months, Trump repeatedly claimed that he had resolved the military conflict between the two neighbours and saved millions of lives. New Delhi stoutly maintained that the cessation of hostilities was a result of talks between India and Pakistan, and the US involvement had nothing to do with it.
Washington’s new immigration policy and its decision to increase the H1B visa fee also contributed to the slide in India-US ties. However, both sides made efforts in the last few months to repair ties and move forward on a trade deal.
Last week, relations came under fresh strain after three Indian sailors were killed following US military attacks on three merchant vessels off the coast of Oman.
G7 Summit Context
PM Modi travelled to France for the G7 summit as India was invited as a guest country. The Group of 7 (G7) brings together seven of the world’s most advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union is also a member. The G7 serves as a forum for members to discuss and coordinate action in response to major economic, financial and geopolitical challenges.
PM Modi arrived in Evian-les-Bains after concluding his two-day trip to Slovakia.
FAQ
What did PM Modi raise with President Trump at the G7 summit?
PM Modi raised the issue of safety of Indian seafarers and called for provisions for their protection in the proposed peace deal with Iran.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important for India?
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route, and India has consistently emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation there.
How did President Trump respond to the deaths of Indian seafarers?
Trump said he was aware of the deaths and called it a 'rough profession', adding 'We will work together.'
What did Trump say about India's role in West Asia?
Trump said India plays a big role in everything as long as PM Modi is the leader, and that India will play a big role.