Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald J Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, reviewing progress in trade negotiations and reaffirming their commitment to deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting on June 17, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the significant progress achieved in negotiations for an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). They directed officials from both sides to work towards finalizing a balanced, mutually beneficial and commercially meaningful agreement at the earliest.
As part of the ongoing trade discussions, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to visit India next week to advance negotiations.
Focus on trade, technology and defence
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across strategic sectors, including defence, technology, energy and trade. The leaders reviewed the progress made under the India-US COMPACT initiative, Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology, launched to deepen bilateral collaboration.
They welcomed advancements in defence cooperation, strategic technologies, energy security and commercial engagement, highlighting the growing momentum in one of the world’s most important bilateral relationships.
Discussions on West Asia stability
Prime Minister Modi also commended President Trump for efforts aimed at facilitating an understanding to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia and restore stability across the region.
The Indian Prime Minister emphasised the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring uninterrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy and trade corridor. He also underlined the need to ensure the safety and security of seafarers operating in the region.
Strengthening a comprehensive strategic partnership
The meeting underscored the continued focus of both governments on expanding cooperation across economic, strategic and geopolitical fronts. The leaders reiterated their shared vision of advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of both nations and their people.
With trade talks progressing and cooperation expanding across critical sectors, the discussions at the G7 Summit signal continued momentum in India-US relations amid evolving global economic and security challenges.