PM Modi-Trump G7 meeting: Modi flags seafarers' safety; ties have 'new speed, new energy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France on Wednesday, their first face-to-face meeting since Modi visited Washington in February 2025.

'New speed, new energy'

Opening the talks, Modi said it was a pleasure to meet Trump at the summit. "We had an extremely productive meeting in Washington last year, and since then we have given new speed and new energy to our relations, and we are working together on a number of areas," he said.


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Trump, in his characteristic style, praised Modi effusively. "He's one of the toughest, actually. You look at this man — he looks so nice, he's like an angel, but actually he's as tough as he's a killer," Trump said.

'If India is attacked, US will be there'

On defence ties, Trump made a pointed commitment to Modi. "If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there now. If they were attacked, we would be there," he said. "We've always had tremendous relationships in terms of employment with India — very talented people," Trump added.

Safety of Indian seafarers

Modi raised the issue of Indian seafarers directly with Trump. "Mr President, you are aware that across the world, Indian seafarers in hundreds of thousands are working and performing their duties across global maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and their safety is of utmost importance to us," he said.


When asked about the deaths of Indian sailors in recent US strikes, Trump expressed condolences. "I heard about that. It's a rough profession, there's no question about it. And we work together on it. We love all of those people, and they're great people," he said.

Acknowledging Trump's role in the West Asia ceasefire, Modi said the issue of seafarers would now receive priority. "You made tremendous efforts towards reaching this understanding and this agreement, and I am confident that the issue of seafarers will receive the highest priority during the implementation of this agreement," he said.

West Asia and Strait of Hormuz

Modi also commended Trump for his role in West Asia. "Thanks to your efforts, Mr President, new hope for peace and stability in the region has been rekindled, and I am confident that this will lead to a long-standing peace in the region," he said.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Modi said both leaders were aligned. "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 and place a particular emphasis on that," he said.

In a lighter moment, Trump told Modi: "Your reporters are much nicer than the ones we have."

The meeting came at a crucial juncture in India-US relations, with both countries engaged in negotiations over a long-awaited trade agreement even as tensions linger over tariffs, India's energy ties with Russia, and the deaths of Indian sailors in recent US military actions near the Strait of Hormuz.

India-US relations had witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods and President Trump made controversial assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes in May 2025.

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Addressing an outreach session at the G7 Summit on Tuesday, Modi told world leaders that the security of international shipping lanes is vital for global trade and economic stability. His remarks came days after three Indian sailors were killed following an attack on a merchant vessel near Oman.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Pleased to meet President Trump in Evian. We reviewed the sustained progress in our bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and people-to-people ties. Conveyed India’s appreciation on the progress in the efforts for restoring peace and stability in West Asia. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. Reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers."

G7 backdrop

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi and Trump had exchanged greetings on the sidelines of a G7 outreach session, shaking hands ahead of the working session on 'Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity'.

India is attending the G7 Summit as an invited partner country, alongside Brazil, Kenya, South Korea and the UAE. This is India's 13th participation at the G7 Summit and Modi's 7th consecutive appearance at the summit.