Modi and Trump say India-US trade deal is “very close” at G7; discuss seafarers and West Asia

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter of Indian seafarers coming under attack in the Gulf with US President Donald Trump, affirming that their safety and security was of paramount importance, as the two met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France in what was their first structured in-person meeting since February 2025."We have always said that freedom of navigation should be ensured and we should also stress upon that," Modi told Trump in his opening remarks on Wednesday.Also read: 'Just look at him!' : Trump gushes over PM Modi's 'calm, cool, killer' persona ahead of bilateral meeting"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... I am confident that in the deal (with Iran), security of seafarers will be ensured and prioritised."Both had exchanged pleasantries briefly at a G7 session on the day before. 131815112Trump also said that the two countries were "very close to a trade deal." The accord has been under negotiations for more than a year. "You and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy," Modi said on Wednesday, stressing that India had consistently advocated unrestricted maritime movement.The PM lauded Trump's efforts to ease tensions in West Asia and advance peace initiatives in the region. US-Iran Deal on Friday "I commend you for your leadership on the progress in peace efforts in West Asia," he said, adding that the US President had helped create "a new hope for peace and stability" in the region.The US and Iran are due to sign a deal in Geneva on Friday. India is hoping that the agreement will create conditions for the easing of tensions in West Asia, freeing up supply lines for energy and other vital resources.India-US ties entered a difficult phase following Operation Sindoor amid Trump's statements that he had helped broker a peace deal with Pakistan. Then came the US administration's decision to impose steep tariffs on India as well as other nations. Trump warming up to Pakistan, especially over negotiations with Iran, has also caused discomfort in New Delhi.The relationship was further complicated by US attacks on ships in the Gulf staffed by Indian sailors when the Strait of Hormuz blockade was in place. India had twice summoned US charge d'affaires Jason Meeks last week over the matter. External affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to US counterpart Marco Rubio to register the country's protest. The US defended its actions.According to the US State Department, Rubio told Jaishankar that violations of the American blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz "will not be tolerated" and insisted that commercial vessels must comply with instructions issued by US forces operating in the region. The attacks had sparked anger in India.Also read: PM Modi-Trump G7 meeting: Modi flags seafarers' safety; ties have 'new speed, new energy'STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPOn Wednesday, Trump highlighted the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries, while underscoring his personal chemistry with the Indian leader.Speaking to reporters after the meeting with the PM, Trump said that he had a "very good" conversation with Modi, adding Washington and New Delhi were nearing a breakthrough on the trade deal."We've been there for a little while and he's a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest, actually," Trump said when asked about the status of the talks. "We are very close" to a deal, he said. Trump also said he will be going to India sometime in the future but did not specify when."People say he's such a nice man," Trump said of Modi. "I said he's very tough. He's a tough trader, and he loves the Indian people."Trump also said the US would come to India's assistance if it was attacked.When asked about defence ties between India and the US, Trump described it as "a great relationship" and added that formal treaty obligations were not necessary to underscore its support."We don't have a contract... but if they were attacked, we would be there to help them," Trump said, gesturing toward Modi. "If they're attacked and he's the leader, we're going to be there to help. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure about it."Regarding a role for India in resolving West Asian tensions, Trump said New Delhi would continue to hold an important position in international affairs under Modi's leadership. "Yes, I do... I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (PM Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role," he said.PRAISE FOR MODIAhead of the meeting, Trump praised Modi, describing him as "calm, cool" and a "total killer."Earlier, addressing an outreach session with G7 partners--Reviving a Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All--Modi proposed a global skills mobility mechanism and an economic corridor for the Global South. This would be modelled on the proposed India Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC). He suggested combining capital from the wealthy G7 countries, talent from India and ownership from countries of the Global South to establish the International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT).The Prime Minister wrote on X: "Like the vision of IMEC, can we work on connectivity projects with countries in Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands?"He also cited the economic impact of the Gulf war on nations of the South.

Evian: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States was "very close" to reaching a trade agreement with India, expressing optimism after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit.The comments came amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and New Delhi aimed at expanding economic ties between two of the world's largest economies.Asked how close the two countries were to finalising a trade deal, Trump responded: "Very close."He then praised PM Modi's negotiating skills, suggesting the discussions had been tough but productive."He's a very tough negotiator. He's one of the toughest, actually," Trump said.President Donald Trump Backs Opportunities For Skilled Indians In US, Calls Them 'Very Talented People' | Video "So you look at this man. I'll give you a lesson.""He's the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice. He's like an angel.""But actually, he's a killer. He's as tough as they come."Trump said PM Modi's public image often concealed his negotiating style."He gets you by surprise," Trump said."People say he's such a nice man. I said he's very tough. He's a tough negotiator."The US President also highlighted the broader economic relationship between the two countries."We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi, India," he said.President Trump Pledges US Support For India In Event Of Attack, Underscores Deepening Strategic Alliance | Video "And we're doing trade deals. We're doing a lot of things.""A lot of things are happening between the United States and India."Trump noted growing Indian investment in the United States."The Prime Minister's building a lot in the United States," he said."He's spending a lot of money in the United States."The President repeatedly emphasised the strength of ties between Washington and New Delhi."As long as I'm president, they have a great friend in the White House," Trump said when asked about concerns in India over some recent US policy decisions."They love India. They have tremendous respect for this man."Trump later described the relationship in unusually warm terms.'We Will Work Together': Trump Assures India On Seafarers' Safety After Talks With PM Modi | VIDEO "India can do anything they want with us," he said."We have the best relationship.""We cannot be closer than we are.""I don't think we can be any closer, both him and I and our nations."PM Modi said bilateral cooperation had accelerated since the leaders' previous meeting in Washington."We had an extremely productive meeting in Washington last year, and since then we have given new speed and new energy to our relations," he said."We are working together on a number of areas."'Modi Is Calm, Cool, A Total Killer': Trump Praises PM Ahead Of Bilateral Meeting In France The Prime Minister added that officials from both countries had been working closely to achieve goals set by the two leaders."Our teams have also been working in close coordination and engagement," PM Modi said.Trade has emerged as one of the most important pillars of the India-US relationship, with both governments seeking to expand market access, strengthen supply chains and increase investment flows.The United States remains one of India's largest trading partners, while India is an increasingly important market for American goods and services.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Evian (France): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday voiced support for opportunities for highly skilled Indian professionals in the United States, describing Indians as "very talented people" and highlighting the long-standing employment links between the two countries.The remarks came during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.Asked whether highly skilled Indian professionals would continue to receive opportunities in the United States under his Presidency, Trump responded positively.Reporter: Can we expect highly skilled Indian professionals to be getting more opportunities in the United States under your presidency?Trump to interpreter: What does that mean?Interpreter: Highly skilled Indian professionals to be getting more opportunities in the US.… pic.twitter.com/ABXqj7Rd0i— Acyn (@Acyn) June 17, 2026 President Trump Pledges US Support For India In Event Of Attack, Underscores Deepening Strategic Alliance | Video"Oh yeah, sure. I mean, always," Trump said."We've always had tremendous relationships in terms of employment with India.""Very talented people."The comments are likely to be closely watched in India, which remains one of the largest sources of highly skilled workers, engineers, technology professionals, researchers and students in the United States.Trump's remarks came as he repeatedly highlighted the strength of the relationship between Washington and New Delhi."We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi, India," he said."A lot of things are happening between the United States and India."'We Will Work Together': Trump Assures India On Seafarers' Safety After Talks With PM Modi | VIDEO The US President also praised PM Modi's leadership and negotiating skills."He's a very tough negotiator. He's one of the toughest, actually," Trump said.Trump later described bilateral ties in unusually warm terms."India can do anything they want with us," he said."We have the best relationship.""We cannot be closer than we are.""I don't think we can be any closer, both him and I and our nations."PM Modi said cooperation between the two countries had expanded significantly since their last meeting in Washington."We had an extremely productive meeting in Washington last year, and since then we have given new speed and new energy to our relations," he said.'Modi Is Calm, Cool, A Total Killer': Trump Praises PM Ahead Of Bilateral Meeting In France "We are working together on a number of areas."The Prime Minister added that officials from both countries had been working closely to advance goals set by the two leaders."Our teams have also been working in close coordination and engagement," PM Modi said.The issue of skilled Indian professionals has remained an important component of the broader India-US relationship, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, research and higher education. Indian-origin professionals hold leadership positions across major American companies, universities and research institutions.The United States and India have steadily expanded cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and emerging technologies.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Evian (France): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described the "United States-India relations as stronger than ever", and said a trade agreement with New Delhi was "very close", as well as declared that the United States would help India if it came under attack, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump repeatedly highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and praised PM Modi's leadership."We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi, India," Trump said.'We Will Work Together': Trump Assures India On Seafarers' Safety After Talks With PM Modi | VIDEO "A lot of things are happening between the United States and India."Trump said negotiations on a trade agreement were advancing and suggested the two sides were nearing a breakthrough."We're very close," he said."He's a very tough negotiator. He's one of the toughest, actually."The US President praised PM Modi's negotiating skills while noting the close personal relationship between the two leaders."He loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA," Trump said.Prime Minister Modi said the two countries had accelerated cooperation since their last meeting in Washington."We had an extremely productive meeting in Washington last year, and since then we have given new speed and new energy to our relations," he added.BIG: Trump on India & Modi:If they were attacked, we would be there to help them.If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure... pic.twitter.com/zYgTrLgCml— Clash Report (@clashreport) June 17, 2026 'Modi Is Calm, Cool, A Total Killer': Trump Praises PM Ahead Of Bilateral Meeting In France "We are working together on a number of areas."The Prime Minister also commended Trump for efforts aimed at restoring peace in West Asia."Thanks to your efforts, Mr. President, a new hope for peace and stability in the region has been rekindled, and I am confident that this will lead to a longstanding peace in the region," PM Modi said.Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and highlighted the role of Indian seafarers working across global maritime routes."You and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy," he said.Asked whether India could play a larger role in West Asia, Trump responded: "I do. I think India plays a big role in everything.""As long as he's (PM Modi) the leader, India's going to play a big role," he added.Modi-Trump Meet After 16 Months, Trade Deal And Energy Partnership Take Centre Stage Trump also sought to reassure Indians concerned about recent US policy decisions."As long as I'm President, they have a great friend in the White House," he said."They love India. They have tremendous respect for this man."The most striking comments came when Trump was asked about defence ties between Washington and New Delhi."I think it's a great relationship," he said."If they were attacked, we would be there to help them."Trump then added: "If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there."The President also expressed support for continued opportunities for skilled Indian professionals in the United States."Oh yeah, sure. I mean, always," he said.'I Am The Boss!' Trump Jokes As He Arrives For Final G7 Leaders' Meeting In France | VIDEO "We've always had tremendous relationships in terms of employment with India. Very talented people."Asked about India's growing energy needs, Trump said New Delhi would continue to find a willing partner in Washington."India can do anything they want with us," he said."We have the best relationship.""We cannot be closer than we are," Trump added."I don't think we can be any closer, both him and I, and our nations."The United States and India have steadily expanded cooperation over the past two decades across defence, technology, energy, trade and strategic affairs.The two countries are also key partners in the Quad grouping, which includes Australia and Japan and focuses on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)