17 June,2026 08:54 PM IST | France | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump meets with India`s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Wednesday. PIC/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi emphasised the security of Indian seafarers and the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open during his bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.
"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.
Responding to the PM's remarks, President Trump said India has an important role to play in West Asia and expressed confidence in PM Modi's leadership.
"India has a big role in West Asia as long as Prime Minister Modi is the leader," Trump stated.
He also praised PM Modi's contribution to strengthening economic ties between the two countries, highlighting India's investments in the United States (US).
"Prime Minister Modi is building a lot in the United States. He is spending a lot of money in the US," Trump said during the bilateral meeting.
The US President also underscored his personal rapport with the Indian PM, saying, "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."
Signalling a significant diplomatic pivot, the two leaders met for bilateral talks, their first in-person encounter in 16 months. The discussions covered regional security, maritime stability and developments in West Asia.
The meeting follows US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India last month, as the two sides look at rebuilding the bilateral ties. The two leaders last met in person at the White House in February 2025.
This diplomatic interface comes after earlier strains in ties due to tariffs and other issues. The meeting is seen as an effort to reset and steady the relationship between the two democracies.
(With ANI, PTI, and IANS inputs)
