Trump, Modi Likely to Hold Bilateral Meeting During G7 Summit in France Next Week

The United States has indicated that President Donald Trump is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 Summit in France next week, highlighting the continued importance of India-US relations amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

According to a senior White House official, President Trump is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi during the summit, which will take place in Evian, France, on June 16 and 17. While the White House has confirmed the planned engagement, the Indian government has not yet officially announced the bilateral meeting.

Prime Minister Modi departed on Saturday for a week-long visit to France and Slovakia. The visit includes participation in the G7 Summit, where India has once again been invited as a guest nation. This marks the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited, reflecting New Delhi’s growing influence on the global stage.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s continued participation in the G7 reflects the confidence that major world powers place in the country. He noted that India intends to represent not only its own interests but also the concerns and aspirations of developing nations, often referred to collectively as the Global South.

“At the G7, India will not only speak for itself, but it will also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South,” Modi said ahead of his departure.

The summit is expected to focus on several pressing international issues, including global security, economic stability, energy challenges, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. White House officials stated that President Trump is also expected to meet leaders from the Middle East and participate in a working session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Among the topics likely to be discussed at the summit is maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital shipping route. US officials suggested that Trump may raise issues related to demining operations in the region, even as Washington and Tehran reportedly move closer to a potential diplomatic understanding.

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Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the significance of his visit to France, describing the country as a key pillar of India’s strategic vision. He noted that ties between India and France have strengthened considerably in recent years, especially after French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India earlier this year, during which both nations elevated their partnership to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.

Following his engagements in France, Modi will travel to Slovakia. The visit is being viewed as a significant step in expanding India’s diplomatic outreach in Central Europe and strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and strategic sectors.

The anticipated meeting between Trump and Modi is expected to attract significant global attention, given the importance of India-US ties in shaping international economic and security policies.