Modi-Trump meet: 'As long as I am President, India has a great friend in White House,' says Trump

On 3 Indian seafarers killed in an attack near the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said, "I heard about that, it's a rough profession and we work together on it. This has been happening throughout time but we work together."

On India-US defence relations, US President Donald Trump said, "I think it is a great relationship. If they were attacked, we would be there to help them. If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there. If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help."

US President Donald Trump said, "As long as I am President, they (India) have a great friend in the White House...Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this (PM Narendra Modi) man."

Speaking about PM Modi, US President Donald Trump said, "He's a very tough negotiator... You look at this man. I'll give you a lesson. He's the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice, like an angel. But actually, he's as tough as he is a killer. But he looks so good. So he gets you by surprise. But there are a few people like this. People say he's such a nice man. I said he's very tough. He's a tough trader, and he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA. We had 'Howdy Modi' in Houston. The stadium was full. We'll be going to India sometime in the future."

When asked if he expects India to play any role in West Asia, US President Donald Trump says, "Yes, I do. I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (PM Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role."

US President Donald Trump said, "We had some great meetings in France. It's a G7. We have a G2 coming up, and then we have a G20 coming up. We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi of India. We're doing trade deals. A lot of things are happening between the United States and India. The United States is doing the best we've ever done. We have over $19.2 trillion coming in, and we're building factories, we're building everything. The Prime Minister is building a lot in the United States. He's spending a lot of money in the United States, so we appreciate that job. But I just want to say he's been my friend for a long time now, and we've always had a great relationship, and it's great to be with you."

PM Modi told US President Trump, "We have always said that freedom of navigation should be ensured and we should also stress upon that. Lakhs of Indian seafarers are on duty in different seas of the world in the sector of maritime trade. I believe that their security is equally important. I am confident that in the deal (with Iran) security of seafarers will be ensured and prioritised."

Thank you for rekindling hope for bringing peace to West Asia, said PM Modi during talks with US President Trump.

PM Modi participates in bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. During the meeting, PM Modi said, "I commend you for your leadership on the progress that has been made in the efforts to restore peace in West Asia."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump today (June 17), on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi and President Trump met and exchanged greetings, and held a brief conversation on the sidelines of a G7 Summit outreach session. Both leaders met for the first time in nearly one-and-a-half years. 

US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "calm and cool" on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the G 7 Summit in Evian, France. This is the second meeting between the two leaders this year. The leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with the successful visit of the Chancellor to India and the conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations earlier this year. As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility. They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict in West Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a trilateral meeting with EU Council president António Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Evian, France. 

At the G7 Summit outreach session on Tuesday, PM Modi urged world leaders to work together to secure global maritime routes. He stressed that international shipping lanes must remain safe as they are crucial for world trade and economic stability. The statement follows a recent incident in which three Indian crew members lost their lives during a US military strike on a merchant vessel near the coast of Oman. The event has triggered concern in India and led to calls for stronger protection for civilian seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters.

India-US relations witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India and President Trump made controversial assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes in May 2025. Following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India last month, the two sides have been looking at rebuilding the bilateral relationship. However, the ties came under fresh strain after three Indian sailors were killed last week following attacks on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman.

A video showing the warm camaraderie between PM Modi and Trump is circulating widely on social media. The clip is from the G7 Summit in France, where global leaders gathered to deliberate on pressing international issues. One particular moment that caught everyone’s attention was during a group photo session on stage. As the leaders assembled, PM Modi extended a helping hand when Trump appeared to struggle slightly while stepping up onto a platform. The US President then stepped aside to make way for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife to join the platform. After the photo was taken, the interaction continued, with Trump seen holding PM Modi’s hand while speaking to other global leaders.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the French commune of Evian-les-Bains, marking their first face-to-face interaction in 16 months. The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake followed by a brief conversation. Visuals from the G7 Summit venue showed Prime Minister Modi warmly greeting US President Trump with a smile before the two leaders took their seats alongside other world leaders for the Outreach Session in Evian, France. 

According to sources, regional security developments, particularly the situation in West Asia and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, are expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The two sides are also likely to explore ways to deepen collaboration in the energy sector. India and the United States have been working towards building a long-term energy partnership, with energy imports from the US expected to be an important topic during the talks. Trade relations are also expected to be on the agenda. Sources indicated that negotiations on a bilateral trade deal have reached the final stages, with work on the agreement likely to be completed within the next few weeks. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both leaders to review progress in key areas of cooperation and further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France today. The two leaders are likely to hold a discussion on a plethora of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation across key sectors.