Lead
US President Donald Trump will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately during the G7 summit in France next week, senior US administration officials said on Saturday. The meeting is expected to take place on the sidelines of the summit, which is being held in Evian on June 16-17. It will mark the first interaction between the two leaders since they last met in February 2025 in Washington DC.
The planned discussions are expected to cover the bilateral trade pact under negotiation, as well as other regional and global matters of mutual concern, according to officials who spoke to The Hindu. The confirmation came shortly after details of Modi's travel schedule for France and Slovakia were shared.
Coverage Comparison
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Evian-les-Bains on Tuesday to attend the G7 Summit, as reported by The Hindu. This is the eighth consecutive G7 Summit to which India has been invited. Modi's attendance comes amid a broader diplomatic tour that began with bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice.
Before his arrival in France, Modi concluded a visit to Slovakia, which was the first by an Indian Prime Minister. The visit was aimed at bolstering India's relations with Slovakia in trade, investment, and automobile and railway manufacturing, according to the External Affairs Ministry. Deutsche Welle also reported on this visit, highlighting the traditional welcome Modi received and his scheduled meetings with Slovak leaders.
Key Claims
- Modi's arrival and itinerary: Modi arrived in Evian-les-Bains on June 16, 2026, to attend the G7 Summit, after stopping in Geneva where he met Swiss President Guy Parmelin, as reported by The Hindu.
- Slovakia visit: Modi's visit to Slovakia was the first by an Indian Prime Minister, during which India and Slovakia elevated their ties to a comprehensive partnership and signed 11 agreements covering areas such as migration, digital technology, and defence. This was reported by both The Hindu and Deutsche Welle.
- Bilateral meetings: Modi held bilateral meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the summit, as reported by The Hindu. Discussions with Starmer focused on the India-UK trade deal and economic cooperation, while talks with Carney covered trade, economy, energy, and technology. Modi accepted Carney's invitation to visit Canada before the end of the year.
- G7 session and Trump meeting: Modi participated in an outreach session on "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity," where he met Trump for the first time since February 2025, as reported by The Hindu.
- India-EU trade deal: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that India and the European Union will sign a free trade agreement by the end of the year, after meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the summit, as reported by The Hindu.
- France maritime proposal: France has proposed a maritime security partnership with India, including participation in an initiative to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by The Hindu.
Perspectives
India's growing global profile: Modi's presence at the G7 reflects the trust partners place in India and its rising global profile. India will not only speak for itself but also give voice to the aspirations of the Global South.
US-India trade and regional issues: The upcoming Trump-Modi meeting is expected to focus on the bilateral trade pact and regional and global matters of mutual concern, indicating a continuation of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
European and Canadian relations: The meetings with UK PM Starmer and Canadian PM Carney highlight India's efforts to strengthen economic and strategic ties with key partners, including progress on trade and energy cooperation.