France: US President Donald Trump has said he plans to visit India sometime in the future following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, signalling a possible improvement in relations between the two countries after months of diplomatic and trade tensions.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said Washington and New Delhi were close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement and described Modi as a ‘tough negotiator.’ The proposed visit comes as both nations seek to rebuild momentum in their strategic partnership.
The leaders also discussed regional security, trade, and the safety of Indian sailors following the recent deaths of three Indian crew members in a US military strike in the Gulf of Oman. The strike targeted a tanker that Washington alleged was violating its blockade on Iranian ports.
During the talks, Modi raised concerns over the security of Indian seafarers operating in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has become increasingly volatile with the Middle East conflict. Trump also reaffirmed America’s support for India on defence matters, stating that the US would stand by India if it faced an external attack.
Sharing my remarks during the meeting with President Trump.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/48Jqv6uka0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026
Trade deal nearing completion
The meeting marks a notable shift in tone after a difficult period in bilateral relations, which was strained by Trump’s tariff policies and ongoing trade disputes.
Officials from both countries are expected to meet in New Delhi to complete what India’s Commerce Ministry has described as the ‘final touches’ of a comprehensive trade agreement.
India was among the first nations to begin trade negotiations with the US last year, but discussions became complicated after Washington imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on certain Indian products. Those tariffs were later reduced following an interim agreement, while several of Trump’s broader tariff measures were subsequently struck down by the US Supreme Court.
However, uncertainty remains over proposed new US tariffs targeting countries accused of failing to curb forced labour, with India among those potentially affected.
Diplomatic challenges remain
Despite the positive tone at the G7 meeting, several issues continue to test the relationship. New Delhi remains dissatisfied with Trump’s repeated claims that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, as well as his offer to mediate on the Kashmir dispute, an idea India has consistently rejected, insisting the issue is strictly bilateral.
The Trump administration’s tighter immigration policies and restrictions on H-1B visas have also created concerns in India, where thousands of skilled professionals rely on the programme for employment opportunities in the United States.
Energy security in focus
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has added another layer of urgency to India-US discussions. India imports nearly 90 percent of its crude oil, making the country particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies normally pass.
Although shipping routes may eventually reopen, analysts warn that global energy markets could take months to stabilise, keeping pressure on fuel prices and supply chains.
The G7 meeting nevertheless signalled renewed engagement between Washington and New Delhi, with both sides aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, security, and strategic affairs while working through remaining differences.
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