New Delhi. A bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during the upcoming G7 Summit in France is now considered almost certain. The US administration has indicated that the two leaders could meet on June 17, the final day of the G7 Summit. The India-US trade deal could be a key issue at this high-profile meeting.
According to US officials, this meeting could prove crucial for advancing the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. However, the likelihood of a formal trade deal being announced is currently low.
A special focus will be on the trade deal
This will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February 2025. The US administration says that discussions are ongoing between India and the US on several trade-related issues, and important discussions could take place during the G7 summit.
The US and India developed a Joint Framework earlier this year to strengthen trade cooperation. Subsequently, several rounds of talks have taken place between officials from both countries. A US delegation recently visited India, while a visit by US officials is proposed for the next round of talks.
What issues could be discussed?
According to sources, the following topics could be key topics in the meeting between Modi and Trump:
Progress on the India-US trade deal
Cooperation in the defense sector and potential defense deals
Issues related to visas and the movement of professionals
Discussions on strengthening the supply chain
Partnership in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies
Global security and geopolitical challenges
What are the challenges standing in the way of a trade agreement?
US officials say that certain economic regulations and policies in India pose challenges for American companies in doing business. Both countries are working to address these obstacles to boost trade and investment.
Officials believe that India and the US are natural economic partners and that strong economic ties can bring long-term benefits to both countries.
Prime Minister Modi is on a visit to France and Slovakia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-day visit to France and Slovakia. During this visit, he will participate in the G7 Summit being held in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15 to 17.
India is not a permanent member of the G7 group, but given its global economic and strategic importance, it has been included as a special invitee. India has consistently highlighted the priorities of the Global South and the concerns of developing countries on this platform.
Why is this Modi-Trump meeting significant?
Experts believe that at a time when the global economy, supply chains, and geopolitical tensions are posing new challenges, strategic cooperation between India and the United States is vital to both countries' interests. This meeting at the G7 summit could play a key role in shaping the future direction of trade and strategic partnerships.
