Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, covering trade, regional security, maritime safety and strategic cooperation between India and the United States. The meeting marked their first face-to-face bilateral engagement since Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025.

The discussions took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia and ongoing negotiations over a proposed India-U.S. trade agreement. Speaking after the meeting, Trump said the two countries were “very close” to finalising a trade deal, indicating progress in talks aimed at expanding economic ties.

Regional security and maritime issues also featured during the discussions. Modi highlighted concerns relating to the safety of international shipping routes and Indian seafarers working across global maritime networks. The issue attracted attention after three Indian sailors were killed following a US strike on a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, off Oman.

During remarks after the meeting, Trump spoke warmly of Modi, describing him as a tough negotiator despite his calm public demeanour. In comments that attracted international attention, Trump described Modi as looking “beautiful” and “like an angel” before calling him a “total killer” at the negotiating table, referring to the Indian Prime Minister’s negotiating skills.

#WATCH | Evian, France: Speaking about PM Modi, US President Donald Trump says, "…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…… pic.twitter.com/zpo9AfaXGR

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026

Underscoring the close relationship between New Delhi and Washington, Trump said the United States would help India if it came under attack. The comment was notable because India and the United States do not have a formal mutual defence treaty that obliges either country to provide military assistance to the other.

#WATCH | Evian, France | On India-US defence relations, US President Donald Trump says, "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… pic.twitter.com/45pjpLY39e

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026

The leaders reviewed developments in trade, security and regional affairs as part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between the world’s largest and oldest democracies.

Their meeting took place alongside wider G7 discussions focused on global economic challenges, ongoing conflicts, energy security and the resilience of international supply chains.

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