Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a high-profile bilateral meeting in the scenic city of Evian, France, on the sidelines of the ongoing G-7 Summit. This meeting has garnered global attention as it marks the first formal interaction between the two leaders in 16 months. The last time the two heads of state met was in February 2025, during Prime Minister Modi's official visit to the United States. The discussions in Evian covered a wide range of critical issues, including the India-US trade deal, security in the Strait of Hormuz, and the overall stability of West Asia.
Focus on Maritime Security and Indian Sailors
During the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi specifically raised the issue of the safety of Indian sailors. This comes in the wake of recent attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 3 Indian sailors. Modi emphasized that the freedom of maritime movement must be ensured and prioritized by the international community. He pointed out that millions of Indian sailors are working across various seas globally, contributing Notably to international trade, while the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the safety of these sailors would be a priority in any future dealings with Iran, stating that their security is of paramount importance to India. President Trump acknowledged the difficulty of the profession, stating that he had heard about the incident and that both nations work together on such challenging issues.
Trump Praises Modi as a Tough Negotiator
President Donald Trump was vocal in his admiration for Prime Minister Modi, describing him as a very tough negotiator. In a series of candid remarks to the media, Trump compared Modi's appearance to that of an angel while highlighting his inner toughness. Trump remarked, "He's a very tough negotiator, while i will tell you one thing. He's a very good-looking guy. He looks great, like an angel. But actually, he's as tough as he's a 'killer', but he looks very good. So he surprises you. " Trump further added that while people say Modi is a very good person, he knows him to be a tough trader who loves the Indian people and also has a great affection for the United States.
Commitment to India's Security
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was President Trump's assurance regarding India's national security. Trump stated that as long as he's the President, India has a very good friend in the White House. He made a bold commitment, saying, "I think we've a very good relationship. If India is attacked, we will be there to help them. If someone attacks this person (PM Modi), we will be there, while " Trump even clarified that this support stands firm regardless of whether there is a written agreement, emphasizing the deep trust between the two administrations. He noted that everyone in the US likes India and respects Prime Minister Modi immensely.
Economic Ties and West Asia Role
The leaders also discussed the ongoing trade deal and economic cooperation, while trump mentioned that India is investing heavily in the United States, which is helping create jobs and build factories. He appreciated Modi's efforts in this regard, stating that the US is currently going through its best phase. Regarding the geopolitical situation in West Asia, Trump expressed high hopes for India's role. He stated that India plays a major role in everything and will continue to do so as long as Narendra Modi is the leader, while trump also reminisced about his past visits to India, mentioning the inauguration of the new stadium and the massive crowds, as well as the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. He concluded by expressing his desire to visit India again in the future.