Sailors issue ‘of utmost importance’: Modi to Trump
US President Donald Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit on June 17, 2026 in Evian-les-Bains, France. | Photo credit: AP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of seafarers’ security in a broad sense with US President Trump at the start of their bilateral meeting in Evian, France, on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
“Mr. President, you know that around the world hundreds of thousands of Indian sailors are working and performing their duties in global maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and their safety is of utmost importance to us,” Mr. Modi said, referring to the killing of three Indian sailors in a US strike last week off the coast of Oman.
Congress is poking fun at the government. due to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, he called it a serious obstacle in the foreign policy of the prime minister
“I am sure that the issue of seafarers will be given top priority in the implementation of this agreement,” Mr. Modi said. The prime minister “praised” Mr Trump for his efforts to restore peace in West Asia, saying he was confident it would lead to long-term peace in the region. The Prime Minister told the President that they both agreed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital to the world economy.
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Mr. Trump was asked by a reporter if he had words of condolence for the grieving families of the sailors.
“I’ve heard about it. It’s a tough profession. There’s no doubt about that,” he said, adding: “It happens all the time, but we work together. We love all those people.”
Mr Trump said Iran would not have a nuclear weapon and that Mr Modi also felt “very strongly”.
The President also dismissed the suggestion that India-US relations are fraying, saying that as long as he is president, India will have a “great friend” in the White House. He has repeatedly praised Mr. Modi and their friendship, painting a picture at odds with the mounting challenges the relationship has faced recently, including protracted trade negotiations, restrictions on skilled migration, the death of Indian sailors and a rapprochement with the Pakistani government that has ruffled feathers in New Delhi.
Mr Trump said the US and India were “very close” to finalizing a trade deal, but that Mr Modi was a “very tough” negotiator. The two countries announced the completion of the agreement in February of this year, but it has not yet been signed, partly due to changes in US customs policy and some gaps in the finer details.
“He’s the most beautiful man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel, but he’s actually a killer,” Mr Trump said, praising Mr Modi. “He’s as tough as they come, but he looks so good. So he’ll surprise you,” he added.
Mr. Trump said that he appreciates that Mr. Modi (i.e. India) is investing in the US
When asked to talk about the Indo-US defense relationship, Trump said that although they did not have a treaty, if India was attacked, “we would be there to help you”, reaching out to hold Mr Modi’s hand.
Mr. Trump suggested that he would go to India at some point in the future.
After the meeting, Mr. Modi posted on social media that the two sides reviewed US-India cooperation in trade, energy, defense, technology and people-to-people relations. A government statement said the two leaders reviewed the progress made under the Indo-US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) framework since their last meeting in February 2025.
US Trade Representative in India next week
They also noted “with particular satisfaction the significant progress” made in trade negotiations. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will visit India next week, according to the government in this regard, according to data. According to the government, the Prime Minister and the President reaffirmed the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.
Published – 17 Jun 2026 22:43 IST