New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to hold a closely watched bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Wednesday, with trade, energy security and the evolving situation in West Asia expected to dominate the discussions.
The meeting, scheduled in Evian-les-Bains, marks the first formal bilateral engagement between the two leaders in nearly 16 months and comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns over global energy supplies.
According to sources, both leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing conflict involving Iran, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and ways to strengthen the India-US energy partnership. The Strait, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, has been at the centre of international attention following recent disruptions to commercial shipping and attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew members.
Energy security has gained added significance after recent turmoil in West Asia triggered a spike in global oil prices and raised fears of supply disruptions. While the US has announced a tentative agreement with Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, details of the deal are yet to be finalised and regional tensions remain high.
Trade is expected to be another major focus area. Sources said negotiations on the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement are in the final stages, with both sides looking to conclude the deal in the coming weeks. The White House has already indicated that advancing the trade pact will be a key objective of the meeting.
Earlier during the G7 Summit, Modi called on world leaders to ensure the safety of global maritime routes and protect seafarers from conflict-related threats, stressing that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have had serious economic consequences and cost Indian lives.
With strategic, economic and geopolitical interests converging, the Modi-Trump meeting is being viewed as one of the most significant bilateral engagements at this year’s G7 Summit.
