G7 Summit: PM Modi Shakes Hands With Donald Trump Days After 3 Indian Sailors Were Killed In Strait Of Hormuz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Tuesday, marking their first in-person meeting in nearly 16 months. The two leaders greeted each other warmly before joining other world leaders for the Outreach Session hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in the town of Évian.

The meeting has drawn global attention as it comes at an important time for India-US relations, with both countries looking to strengthen cooperation despite recent trade and geopolitical challenges.

Warm Greeting at the G7 Summit

Visuals from the summit venue showed Prime Minister Modi and President Trump sharing a handshake and exchanging smiles before taking their seats for the Outreach Session. The friendly interaction quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the opening day of the summit.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump seen interacting at the G7 Summit in Evian, France.

(Video: DD News) pic.twitter.com/HIiZPZOyxR

— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2026

During the event, the two leaders were seated next to each other alongside several other heads of state and government, reflecting the importance of the India-US partnership on the global stage.

The G7 Summit, hosted this year by French President Emmanuel Macron, has brought together leaders from the world's major economies along with invited partner nations to discuss global security, economic growth, climate change and international cooperation.

First In-Person Meeting Since 2025

The interaction in France marked the first face-to-face meeting between Modi and Trump since the Indian Prime Minister visited Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump began his second term as President of the United States.

Although the two leaders have remained in touch through diplomatic channels, this meeting offers an opportunity for direct discussions on several key issues affecting bilateral ties.

The talks come at a time when India and the US are navigating differences over trade and tariffs while also seeking to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors such as defence, technology and energy.

Bilateral Talks Scheduled

According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump are expected to hold a dedicated bilateral meeting on Wednesday. The talks are scheduled to begin at 6.15 pm Indian Standard Time.

Senior White House officials have indicated that trade will be one of the major topics of discussion. While a final agreement may not be announced immediately, both sides are expected to hold detailed technical discussions aimed at strengthening economic ties.

Officials believe the meeting could help advance negotiations on market access, investment opportunities and long-term commercial partnerships between the two countries.

The Meet Amid 3 Indian Sailors Killed In Military Action

The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump also comes at a sensitive time for India-US relations. It takes place amid growing concerns over the reported deaths of Indian sailors during recent military action in the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident has sparked political debate in India, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and raising questions about the government's response.

Against this backdrop, the G7 interaction between the two leaders is being closely watched, as discussions on regional security, maritime safety and the protection of Indian citizens working abroad could also feature alongside trade and strategic cooperation.

Trade and Economic Cooperation on the Agenda

Trade remains one of the most important pillars of the India-US relationship. Earlier this year, President Trump announced a trade arrangement that reduced tariffs on certain Indian exports from 25 percent to 18 percent.

The US administration has also highlighted plans for increased economic cooperation, with India expected to expand imports of American products across sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture and coal.

According to statements from the US side, the proposed cooperation could involve purchases worth more than 500 billion US dollars, although discussions are expected to continue over the details and implementation.

Analysts believe the G7 meeting provides both governments with an opportunity to build momentum for a broader economic partnership.

World Leaders Gather for the Traditional Family Photo

One of the highlights of the summit was the traditional G7 family photograph, where Prime Minister Modi, President Trump and President Macron stood in the front row alongside other global leaders.

The group photo included several prominent figures, including:

• European Council President Antonio Costa
• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Before the photograph, French President Emmanuel Macron personally welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the summit venue in Évian.

Why the Modi-Trump Meeting Matters

The meeting between the Indian and US leaders comes at a significant moment for both countries. In recent months, bilateral relations have faced challenges due to trade issues and differences over economic policies. At the same time, India and the United States continue to work closely on defence cooperation, technology partnerships and regional security.

Global developments, changing geopolitical realities and economic uncertainties have made cooperation between major democracies increasingly important. Observers believe the bilateral talks could help reinforce the strategic partnership and pave the way for greater collaboration in the months ahead.

While the interaction at the G7 Summit began with a warm handshake and friendly exchange, all eyes are now on the formal bilateral meeting, where the two leaders are expected to discuss trade, investment, energy cooperation and the future direction of India-US ties.