Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on Wednesday the 17th of June 2026 and emphasised that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is very important for global economy.
During his bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Evian, Prime Minister Modi stressed on ensuring freedom of navigation.
The PM added that for maritime trade, lakhs of Indian seafarers are providing their services in different regions of the world.
Highlighting seafarers’ contribution, Modi said their safety is of paramount importance.
He also commended President Trump for the progress in peace efforts in West Asia.
The Prime Minister hoped that lasting peace will return to the region. He expressed happiness that the trade talks between India and US are progressing smoothly.
In his observations Donald Trump said and India were “very close” to finalising a long-awaited trade deal and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “friend for a long time” during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France here.
When asked about the US-India trade deal, Trump said that it is “very close”.
Trump added, “We’ve been there for a little while, and he’s (PM Modi) a very tough negotiator. He’s one of the toughest.
“In his opening remarks, the US President said, “We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi, India. And we’re doing trade deals, we’re doing a lot of things, a lot of things are happening between the United States and India,” Trump said.
Trump further praised PM Modi’s role in encouraging investment in the United States, saying, “Prime Minister is building a lot in the United States. He’s spending a lot of money in the United States. So we appreciate that job.”Emphasising the personal rapport between the two leaders, Trump added, “He’s been my friend for a long time now, and we’ve always had a great relationship, and it’s great to be with you.”
“So, you look at this man, I’ll give you a lesson. He’s the most beautiful-looking man; he looks so nice, he’s like an angel. But actually, he’s as tough as–they come. I don’t want to–he’s a killer. He’s as tough as they come,” Trump said.”But he looks so good, so he gets you by surprise. There are a few people like this. People say he’s such a nice man. I said no, he’s very tough. He’s a tough trader. And he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the US,” he added
Earlier, on the margins of the meeting in Evian, Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The two leaders also reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with the successful visit of German Chancellor earlier this year to India and the conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations.
As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility.
They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi also addressed a crucial working session themed “Promoting balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all” at the ongoing G7 Summit in Evian, France. In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the need for international financial institutions to develop mechanisms that impart economic resilience to developing countries.
He also proposed connectivity projects linking Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Island countries. He also suggested the creation of International Mobilization Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT), in which G7’s capital, India’s talent and Global South’s ownership could be combined.
During the session the Indian Prime Minister also highlighted that tangible growth leads to inclusion and well-being of the people and spoke about India’s growth story underpinned by “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”.
The high-level session was attended by G7 member nations, partner countries, and key representatives from the International Monetary Fund and the OECD.
PM Modi also participated in a working lunch focused on “Ensuring the safe, rapid and effective deployment of artificial intelligence. The meeting brought together G7 member countries, partner nations, and the CEOs of leading AI companies to discuss the future of digital innovation.
