Modi-Trump meeting likely on G7 sidelines as trade, security issues remain in focus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold talks on the margins of the upcoming G7 Summit in France, in what would be their first face-to-face engagement in over a year.
Their proposed interaction comes at a time when New Delhi and Washington are working to finalise a bilateral trade pact, with discussions gaining momentum following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to India.
The meeting is also significant as it would be the first direct engagement between Modi and Trump since the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent military confrontation between India and Pakistan earlier this year. India launched Operation Sindoor following the attack, while the government has repeatedly dismissed Trump’s assertions that he played a role in easing tensions between the two neighbours.
The anticipated talks take place amid ongoing differences over tariffs and certain US policy decisions. At the same time, India has stepped up diplomatic and economic outreach to Europe, making progress in negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union and broadening collaboration in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Modi will undertake visits to France and Slovakia from June 13 to 19. During his stay in France, Modi is scheduled to meet President Emmanuel Macron to review the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership. The two leaders will also jointly launch the ‘Bharat Innovates’ initiative, aimed at promoting cooperation in startups, innovation and venture capital.
Modi’s itinerary also includes a landmark visit to Slovakia, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since it became independent in 1993. He is expected to hold discussions with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, the automobile sector and railway infrastructure.
At the G7 Outreach Summit in Evian on June 16 and 17, the Prime Minister will join deliberations on sustainable development, emerging partnerships and artificial intelligence. Several bilateral meetings with global leaders are also expected to be held alongside the summit.