US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States would come to India’s assistance if the country came under attack while Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained in office, underscoring the close ties between the two leaders during bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

The meeting, their first face-to-face interaction in more than 16 months, also covered issues ranging from regional security and energy cooperation to the proposed India-US trade agreement, as both countries sought to strengthen ties after a period of strain.

Trump Reaffirms Support for India

During the discussions, President Trump praised the defence relationship between the two countries and said Washington would stand by India in the event of a conflict.

“I think it is a great relationship. If they were attacked, we would be there to help them. We don’t have a contract, but if they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help. If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there. If there is another leader, I don’t know about that, but if they are attacked and he is the leader, we are going to help,” Trump said.

The remarks were followed by a handshake between the two leaders.

The US President also described himself as a close friend of India and said Prime Minister Modi enjoyed considerable respect in Washington.

“As long as I am President, they (India) have a great friend in the White House. Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this (PM Narendra Modi) man,” Trump said.

Earlier in the day, Trump reportedly described the Prime Minister as “calm and cool” as the leaders held detailed discussions during the summit.

First Meeting in More Than 16 Months

Modi and Trump first exchanged greetings during the G7 outreach session on Tuesday before holding formal bilateral talks on Wednesday.

The meeting marked their first in-person interaction in over 16 months and came against the backdrop of trade disputes and geopolitical differences that had tested the relationship between the two democracies.

The White House had earlier indicated that advancing the proposed India-US trade agreement would be a key item on the agenda.

Sources had also indicated that the leaders were expected to discuss developments in West Asia, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and cooperation in the energy sector.

Focus on Trade and Energy Cooperation

According to sources, both countries are seeking to build a long-term energy partnership, with particular attention on safeguarding supply chains amid rising tensions in West Asia.

Discussions were also expected to cover energy imports from the United States and the impact of instability in the Strait of Hormuz on global energy markets and maritime commerce.

One of the world’s most important shipping corridors, the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil and gas supplies, making developments in the region a matter of concern for energy-importing nations.

The proposed India-US trade agreement is understood to be in its final stages, with negotiations progressing steadily and work on the pact expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

India and the United States had reached an interim trade agreement in February following nearly a year of negotiations, and both sides are now working towards finalising a broader arrangement aimed at strengthening economic ties.

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