Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are slated to hold wide-ranging talks in Évian-les-Bains on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:15 pm IST, with the agenda expected to centre on fast-tracking a proposed interim trade agreement, strengthening defence cooperation and addressing major geopolitical challenges.
The meeting is to cover the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including progress in negotiations on the interim trade pact and steps to deepen strategic and defence collaboration. Indian officials view the interim arrangement as a key stepping stone toward a broader bilateral trade deal first envisaged during Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025.
The talks take on additional urgency because US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to visit India on June 23 and 24. An Indian trade official said Greer’s discussions with counterparts will focus on finalising the interim trade deal between New Delhi and Washington.
Beyond trade and defence, the leaders are expected to exchange views on pressing global issues such as energy security, the crisis in West Asia and the Russia‑Ukraine conflict. A brief conversation and exchange of pleasantries between Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit marked their first in‑person contact in 16 months.
The two last met in person at the White House in February 2025, shortly after Trump’s second inauguration. Their meeting in Évian arrives amid efforts by both capitals to stabilise ties after recent strains. Following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India last month, officials from New Delhi and Washington have been exploring ways to rebuild momentum in the relationship.
Bilateral relations were tested after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on some Indian goods and after Mr. Trump made contentious claims about his role in de‑escalating India‑Pakistan military clashes in May. Tensions were further inflamed last week when three Indian sailors were killed after US military strikes on merchant vessels off the coast of Oman.
Modi arrived in France for the G7 summit after a two‑day visit to Slovakia. Speaking at a G7 outreach session, he emphasised the need to secure global maritime routes and protect seafarers, saying countries must work together so maritime personnel can carry out their duties without fear.
PTI
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/national/amid-bilateral-strains-modi-trump-g7-talks-likely-to-focus-on-trade-defence-1612841
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Publish Date: 2026-06-17 17:08:00
