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PM Modi-Trump Meet: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Wednesday, against the backdrop of ongoing trade negotiations and recent tensions over US attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Strait of Hormuz.
Both leaders who had their first face-to-face interaction in nearly 16 months in France Evian, are expected to discuss the situation in West Asia, energy security, the Strait of Hormuz and the proposed India-US trade agreement, news agency ANI reported, citing sources.
Read More: With Trump Watching, PM Modi Raises Maritime Safety At G7 After US Strike Kills 3 Indians: ‘Protect Seafarers’
The bilateral meeting, one
of the most anticipated engagements on the sidelines of the G7 summit, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over disruptions to global energy supply chains caused by tensions in West Asia.
According to sources, both countries are keen to deepen their long-term energy partnership, with discussions likely to focus on increasing energy cooperation and ensuring stable supplies. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and gas, is also expected to feature prominently in the talks amid concerns over maritime security and trade disruptions.
Trade is expected to be another major item on the agenda. Sources said negotiations on the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement are in their final stages, with work on the deal likely to be completed in the coming weeks. The two nations reached an interim trade agreement earlier in February after a year of talks.
The White House has confirmed that the meeting will focus heavily on advancing the proposed India-US trade agreement.
During the G7 Summit, the two leaders were seen shaking hands and exchanging smiles, though there was no trademark PM Modi-Trump hug. They were later seated side by side during the summit proceedings. Notably, during the G7 leaders’ group photo session earlier, there was no visible eye contact or exchange of greetings between PM Modi and Trump.
What PM Modi Said in G7 Summit?
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi called on all nations to ensure the security of global maritime routes and protect seafarers from conflict-related threats, days after three Indian sailors were killed in a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman.
Addressing an outreach session of the G7 Summit attended by leaders including Trump, PM Modi highlighted the growing risks to maritime trade and the human cost of instability in West Asia. He welcomed progress in peace efforts in West Asia but highlighted the humanitarian and economic consequences of the recent conflict.
Read More: Handshakes, Smiles But No Warm Hugs: PM Modi’s First Meet With Trump After 16 Months
“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade. We must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear,” PM Modi said during the session titled “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity.”
The Prime Minister noted that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz- a critical artery for global energy and trade flows- have adversely affected the world economy and resulted in the loss of Indian lives.
PM Modi’s remarks came against the backdrop of a recent maritime incident in the Gulf of Oman in which three Indian nationals lost their lives after a Palau-flagged oil tanker, carrying a multinational crew, was struck by US forces over an alleged violation of a blockade while reportedly transporting Iranian oil.
(With inputs from agencies)
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