Evian-Les-Bains (France), June 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have agreed to accelerate efforts towards a new India-US trade agreement, signalling a fresh attempt to strengthen ties after a period of diplomatic and economic strain. The two leaders held extensive talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, marking their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders directed officials to work towards a “balanced, mutually beneficial and commercially meaningful” trade agreement at the earliest.
The discussions come as negotiators from both countries report progress on an interim bilateral trade deal. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit India next week to advance the negotiations further.
During the meeting, Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with cooperation spanning defence, trade, technology and energy sectors.
Both the leaders Modi and Trump reviewed developments under the India-US COMPACT initiative aimed at expanding military cooperation, boosting commerce and strengthening technology partnerships. The MEA said both sides welcomed progress across several strategic areas and expressed optimism about future collaboration.
Prime Minister Modi praised President Trump’s efforts to ease tensions in West Asia and support peace in the region. During their talks, Modi also underlined the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes — open and secure, stressing the need to safeguard commercial vessels and the sailors who depend on these waters.
