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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, focusing on regional security, maritime stability, economic cooperation and the evolving situation in West Asia.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi appreciated President Trump's efforts to promote peace and stability in West Asia and stressed the importance of safeguarding key international trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

Highlighting India's interest in secure maritime corridors, Modi said uninterrupted navigation through the strategically significant waterway is crucial for the global economy. He also emphasised the need to ensure the safety of seafarers, including the large number of Indian nationals working in international shipping.

“Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is essential for global trade and economic stability. India has consistently supported freedom of navigation, and we should continue working together on this issue. The security of Indian seafarers serving across the world, including in this region, is equally important,” the Prime Minister said.

Responding to Modi's remarks, President Trump acknowledged India's growing influence in regional affairs and expressed confidence in the country's role in addressing challenges in West Asia.

“India plays an important role in the region, and as long as Prime Minister Modi is leading the country, that role will continue to grow,” Trump said.

The US President also praised India's expanding economic engagement with the United States, noting the increasing investments and business activity generated by Indian companies in the American market.

Commending Modi's contribution to strengthening economic ties, Trump remarked that Indian businesses were making substantial investments in the United States and helping deepen commercial cooperation between the two nations.

The American leader also highlighted his long-standing personal relationship with the Prime Minister, describing Modi as a trusted friend and expressing satisfaction over their meeting.

“I have known Prime Minister Modi for a long time. He has been a friend, and it is always a pleasure to meet him,” Trump said.

The interaction followed an informal exchange between the two leaders during the G7 leaders' gathering, where they briefly met and spoke on the margins of summit events. The meeting marked their first face-to-face engagement in nearly 16 months.

The talks come at a time when both countries are working to strengthen bilateral cooperation after a period marked by trade-related disagreements and differences over certain regional issues.

Recent diplomatic engagements, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India, have contributed to renewed efforts to advance cooperation in trade, strategic affairs and regional security.

Modi and Trump last held an in-person meeting at the White House in February 2025, shortly after the beginning of Trump's second presidential term. Since then, bilateral relations have witnessed challenges over tariff measures and differing interpretations regarding regional developments following Operation Sindoor.

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Despite these differences, the latest meeting reflected a shared commitment to maintaining strong India-US ties and expanding cooperation on issues of mutual interest, including economic growth, maritime security and regional stability.