US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States would support India in the event of an attack as he held crucial talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where the two leaders discussed trade, energy security, maritime safety and the evolving situation in West Asia.
The meeting marked the first face-to-face interaction between Modi and Trump in more than 16 months and came amid heightened geopolitical tensions and concerns over disruptions to global energy and shipping routes.
Trump praises Modi's leadership
Addressing reporters alongside Modi, Trump highlighted Washington's commitment to New Delhi and praised the Prime Minister's leadership.
“If they are attacked and he is the leader, we will be there to help,” Trump said.
The US President also highlighted India's growing strategic importance in West Asia.
“As long as Modi is the leader, India has a big role in West Asia,” he said, describing the Prime Minister as a strong and effective negotiator.
In a lighter moment, Trump praised Modi's calm demeanour while emphasising his toughness in negotiations.
“He looks so nice, but he is very tough,” Trump remarked.
Also read: PM Modi holds talks with global leaders on G7 summit sidelines
Trade, energy cooperation high on agenda
The two leaders held extensive discussions on the proposed India-US trade agreement, which officials said is nearing completion after months of negotiations.
According to sources, both sides also explored ways to strengthen long-term cooperation in the energy sector, particularly as instability in West Asia continues to affect global supply chains and energy markets.
The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, figured prominently in the discussions amid concerns over maritime security.
Modi raises plight of Indian seafarers
Prime Minister Modi used the meeting to raise concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working across international waters, particularly following recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
“Lakhs of Indian seafarers are on duty in different seas of the world in the sector of maritime trade. I believe that their security is equally important,” Modi said.
Referring to ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran, he expressed hope that the safety of seafarers would be a key consideration in any future agreement.
“I am confident that in the deal, security of seafarers will be ensured and prioritised,” he added.
The issue has gained urgency after three Indian sailors were killed in an attack on a merchant vessel off the Oman coast last week.
Strategic partnership in focus
The Modi-Trump meeting followed a brief interaction between the two leaders during a gathering of G7 leaders on Tuesday.
Apart from the bilateral talks with Trump, Modi held meetings with several world leaders, including those from Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Egypt, Kenya and South Korea.
The discussions reflected the growing strategic convergence between India and the United States on trade, regional security and global economic challenges at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
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