U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a “very good” meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, signaling a potential thaw in relations after months of tensions between Washington and New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters following the bilateral meeting on Wednesday, Trump described Modi as a “tough negotiator” and said the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to reach trade agreements between their countries.
“We had a very good conversation,” Trump said, adding that the United States and India are continuing to work on trade deals. He also revealed plans to visit India in the future, a trip New Delhi has reportedly been seeking for several months.
The meeting came amid heightened scrutiny over the state of India-U.S. ties. Earlier interactions between the two leaders at the G7 had fueled speculation about strained relations after their customary bear hug was replaced by a formal handshake and brief exchange during summit events.
Relations have faced challenges in recent months over U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, stalled trade negotiations, Washington’s outreach to Pakistan, and concerns in India over American immigration policies affecting students and skilled workers.
Despite those issues, Trump struck a positive tone following his talks with Modi and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Asked about the U.S.-India defence relationship, Trump offered a strong endorsement of India’s security partnership with Washington.
“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” Trump said. Referring directly to Modi, he added, “If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there.”
The remarks underscored the importance both countries continue to place on their defence and strategic ties, even as trade and geopolitical disagreements persist.
The Modi-Trump meeting was among the most closely watched bilateral engagements at the G7 Summit, with both leaders seeking to manage differences while preserving cooperation on trade, security, technology, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
While significant issues remain unresolved, Trump’s comments suggest both sides are looking to restore momentum to a relationship that has become increasingly important for global economic and strategic affairs. both leaders expected to meet on the sidelines of the summit, attention will now turn to whether Modi and Trump can ease tensions and restore momentum to one of the world’s most consequential strategic partnerships.
