PM Modi, Trump Could Meet At G7 Summit In France, Key Talks On Trade Deal, Quad Likely
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are likely to come face-to-face later this month at the G7 Summit in France, with diplomatic circles closely watching the possibility of a bilateral interaction amid ongoing trade and strategic discussions between New Delhi and Washington.
The G7 Summit is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Évian-les-Bains, France.
India has been invited as a partner country, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his participation, according to the French Foreign Ministry.
While there has been no official announcement regarding a formal bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Trump, both leaders are expected to attend the summit, raising the possibility of a pull-aside interaction on the sidelines.
Any in-person interaction between PM Modi and Trump at the G7 would be significant as the two leaders have not met since Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump returned to the White House.
Diplomatic observers believe the summit could provide both leaders with an opportunity to stabilise communication and push forward cooperation in key strategic sectors between the two countries.
TRADE TALKS, QUAD AGENDA LIKELY TO DOMINATE DISCUSSIONS
According to news agency ANI, foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said the chances of a Modi-Trump interaction at the summit are “certainly very high” given the range of bilateral and strategic discussions between the two countries.
A key issue expected to figure in any potential meeting is the India-US trade deal, which remains unresolved.
Sachdev told ANI that negotiations are currently “in limbo” due to complications arising from US tariff-related measures and ongoing legal scrutiny in the United States.
“The trade deal has still not been finalised,” Sachdev said, adding that both sides would likely seek greater clarity and mutual understanding if the two leaders meet.
Apart from trade, discussions are also expected to focus on preparations for the upcoming Quad summit, which India is scheduled to host later this year.
According to ANI, diplomatic engagements involving senior US officials could help lay the groundwork for broader Indo-Pacific coordination ahead of the Quad meeting.
The potential Modi-Trump interaction is also expected to touch upon major geopolitical developments, including the conflict in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war.
INDIA’S PARTICIPATION CONFIRMED BY FRANCE
ANI reported that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay.
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry said the ministers welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s confirmation of participation in the summit and highlighted India’s contribution to discussions on “major macroeconomic imbalances” and international partnerships.
The statement also noted that France considers India’s involvement significant, particularly as India currently holds the BRICS presidency.
Jaishankar and Barrot also discussed the situation in West Asia and disruptions to energy supply routes.
According to the French release cited by ANI, both sides agreed to continue close coordination to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.
TRUMP’S G7 PARTICIPATION CONFIRMED
Donald Trump will attend the summit in France, according to a White House official quoted by Axios and cited by ANI.
The summit is expected to focus on issues including artificial intelligence, trade, critical minerals, immigration and global security.
Trump is also expected to advocate for the adoption of US-developed AI technologies and for reducing dependence on Chinese critical mineral supply chains.
The G7 meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and several European allies over differing positions on the Iran conflict and broader West Asia developments.
According to ANI, the White House has indicated that while the summit may not result in immediately signed agreements, it will aim to build consensus on future deals and strategic cooperation.
