Modi For Seafarers’ Safety, Trump Says Biz Deal Near

New Delhi: In a significant reset of bilateral ties, US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their first formal meeting in 16 months on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on Tuesday. The meeting focused on trade, regional security and strategic cooperation.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Trump praised Modi's leadership and described him as “best-looking guy like an angel” but also a “tough trader and tough as a killer” amid ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. He said the two countries were "very close to a trade deal" and assured that India would always have "a very good friend in the White House" as long as he remained President.

In remarks that drew laughter and prompted a smile from Modi, Trump said the United States would stand by India if it faced any attack under Modi's leadership.

"We cannot be closer than we are," Trump said, describing India-US defence ties as strong and noting that he and Modi had shared a long friendship.

Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers, calling the issue one of utmost importance for India. He urged that the matter receive priority during the implementation of the proposed West Asia peace agreement expected to be signed by the US and Iran on Friday.

Modi commended Trump's efforts to restore peace in West Asia and said a new hope for peace had emerged. He also stressed the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for the global economy and reiterated India's support for freedom of navigation.

The Prime Minister said India-US ties had gained "new momentum and energy" and noted that teams from both countries were working closely to achieve mutually agreed goals.

Responding to a question on the deaths of three Indian seafarers in recent US strikes on an oil tanker off the Oman coast, Trump expressed condolences and said the two countries would work together on the issue.

"It's a rough profession. We love these people," he said.

Trump also said he expected India to play a major role in West Asia and added that under Modi's leadership, India would continue to be an important regional player.

The US President reiterated that his administration had deep respect for India and Modi. He also repeated his claim that his administration had helped end several international conflicts, though he did not directly mention last year's India-Pakistan conflict.

Trump further defended his administration's West Asia policy, claiming that US actions had prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He suggested that Modi also shared concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The optics of the meeting attracted attention, with Trump warmly greeting Modi and recalling the "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump" events held during his first term. The interaction signalled an effort by both leaders to emphasise continuity in ties despite differences that have emerged over issues such as tariffs and trade over the past 16 months.