Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held bilateral talks in Évian, France, on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on regional security, maritime stability and the evolving situation in West Asia. The meeting marked the first in-person interaction between the two leaders in 16 months.

During the talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and stressed the need for greater cooperation to safeguard critical global shipping routes and the welfare of seafarers.

Focus on Strait of Hormuz and West Asia

Addressing concerns over maritime security, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that uninterrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz was essential for the global economy and reiterated India’s longstanding support for freedom of navigation.

“Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. India has consistently emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation, and we should work together on this issue. Hundreds of lakhs of seafarers are performing their duties across the world, including in the Strait of Hormuz. The security of Indian seafarers is equally important,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also commended President Trump for his efforts aimed at restoring peace in West Asia, an issue that featured prominently in the discussions between the two leaders.

Responding to the remarks, Trump acknowledged India’s growing role in the region and expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

“India has a big role in West Asia as long as Prime Minister Modi is the leader,” Trump said.

Trump Praises Economic Ties and Personal Relationship

President Trump also highlighted India’s investments in the United States and praised Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Referring to Indian investments in the US market, Trump said, “Prime Minister Modi is building a lot in the United States. He is spending a lot of money in the US.”

The US President also spoke about his long-standing relationship with the Indian Prime Minister.

“I just want to say he has been my friend for a long time. It’s great to be with you. Thank you very much,” Trump said during the meeting.

First In-Person Meeting Since February 2025

Modi and Trump had briefly interacted on Tuesday during a gathering of G7 leaders, where they exchanged pleasantries and held a short conversation ahead of the formal bilateral talks.

Wednesday’s meeting represented the first face-to-face engagement between the two leaders since their meeting at the White House in February 2025, shortly after Trump’s second inauguration.

The interaction comes amid efforts by both countries to reinvigorate bilateral ties following a period of friction over issues including tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods and President Trump’s claims regarding the cessation of the India-Pakistan conflict after Operation Sindoor.

The renewed diplomatic engagement also follows the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India last month, with both sides seeking to strengthen cooperation and restore momentum in the strategic partnership.