Evian-Les-Bains (France), June 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France to press for stronger protections for seafarers operating in the Strait of Hormuz, following the deaths of three Indian crew members in recent US military strikes in the Gulf of Oman.
Speaking in Evian-les-Bains on Wednesday, Modi said the safety of Indian sailors must remain a priority as Washington works to implement its peace initiative with Iran and seeks to restore stability in West Asia.
The meeting came at a sensitive moment for India-US relations, which have faced strains over the past year due to trade disputes, disagreements over the US role in easing India-Pakistan tensions in 2025, changes to American immigration policies and the recent deaths of Indian seafarers.
Modi said India welcomed efforts to restore peace in the region but stressed that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was essential for global trade.
“Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working across global maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and making a significant contribution to the world economy,” he said. “Their safety is of utmost importance to us.”
He added that he hoped the US would ensure the protection of civilian maritime workers while implementing its agreement with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, is a critical route for global energy supplies. Any disruption to maritime traffic through the narrow waterway has far-reaching consequences for international trade and energy markets.
Following the talks, Modi said the two leaders reviewed progress in cooperation across trade, energy, defence, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Trump described India as a key global partner and said the two countries were close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, although he did not provide a timeline.
“We’re very close to a trade deal,” he said, adding that he planned to visit India.
The US president also reaffirmed Washington’s support for New Delhi on security matters.
“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” Trump said, while describing his relationship with Modi as strong and longstanding.
Responding to questions about the deaths of three Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman, Trump said he was aware of the incident and pledged that the two countries would work together on the issue.
The meeting reflected efforts by both governments to repair ties after a period of diplomatic friction.
India and the United States have faced a series of challenges in their relationship over the past year.
Tensions rose after Washington imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods. The relationship was further tested when President Donald Trump repeatedly said the United States had played a decisive role in defusing military tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
New Delhi has firmly rejected those claims, insisting that the ceasefire was the result of direct communication between India and Pakistan, without any external mediation.
Differences over US immigration policies have also added to the strain, particularly the increase in H1B visa fees, which affects many Indian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States.
Even so, both countries have continued to engage closely. In recent months, they have worked to rebuild momentum in the partnership, with trade talks, defence cooperation and broader strategic interests remaining at the heart of the relationship.
Modi arrived in France after a two-day visit to Slovakia to attend the G7 summit, where India participated as a guest country.
The Group of Seven brings together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with the European Union, to coordinate responses to major economic and geopolitical challenges.
