Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a key bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Wednesday, with trade negotiations, energy cooperation and developments in West Asia likely to feature prominently in the discussions.
The meeting comes at a time when India and the United States are working to conclude a proposed trade agreement and are closely monitoring the impact of tensions in West Asia on global energy supplies and maritime commerce. Both leaders are also expected to discuss artificial intelligence, investment opportunities and broader global security challenges.
The White House has indicated that the two leaders will meet before joining a working lunch attended by G7 leaders, outreach partner countries and senior technology executives.
Sources said energy security is expected to be a major area of discussion, particularly amid concerns over disruptions to supply chains linked to instability in West Asia. Both countries are looking at expanding long-term cooperation in the energy sector, including increased energy imports from the United States.
Trade deal in focus
The proposed India-US trade agreement is also expected to receive significant attention during the talks.
According to sources, negotiations on the agreement have entered the final phase, and discussions are progressing steadily. Work on the deal is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
The two countries had reached an interim trade understanding earlier this year after prolonged negotiations.
The White House has also confirmed that advancing the trade agreement will be a key focus of the PM Modi-Trump meeting.
Concerns over Strait of Hormuz
The expected talks gain additional significance amid growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors for oil and gas shipments.
Earlier during the G7 outreach session, Prime Minister Modi flagged the economic impact of disruptions in maritime traffic through the strategic waterway and called for greater international cooperation to ensure secure sea routes.
Addressing world leaders, including President Trump, PM Modi said, “We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives.”
The Prime Minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to resolving global conflicts.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting seafarers engaged in international trade.
“Ensuring the safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our collective responsibility. We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear,” he said.
G7 outreach participation
PM Modi arrived in Evian on Tuesday for the G7 Summit outreach sessions and held a brief interaction with President Trump ahead of discussions on strengthening international partnerships and global solidarity.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to engaging with world leaders on major international issues and reaffirmed India’s commitment to collective efforts aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
India is participating in the summit as an invited partner nation. This marks the country’s 13th appearance in the G7 outreach process and Modi’s seventh consecutive participation as Prime Minister.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions during the outreach sessions are focused on renewing international partnerships, development cooperation, balanced economic growth and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.
The ministry said India’s continued participation reflects growing recognition of its role in addressing global challenges relating to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability, while also amplifying the concerns and priorities of the Global South.