US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington and New Delhi are on the verge of finalising a long-awaited trade agreement following discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The meeting, their first one-on-one interaction in over a year, focused on trade, regional security, maritime safety, and the broader India-US partnership. Officials familiar with the talks described the atmosphere as highly positive, suggesting a notable improvement in ties that have faced several challenges over the past year.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said his conversation with Modi was productive and reaffirmed that both countries were making significant progress toward a trade pact. According to Trump, negotiations have been underway for some time and are now approaching the final stages. He also praised Modi’s negotiating skills, describing the Indian leader as one of the toughest counterparts he has dealt with in trade discussions.

In a characteristically light-hearted remark, Trump joked that Modi’s calm and friendly appearance masks his strong negotiating instincts, calling him a formidable dealmaker who often catches people by surprise. The US President also revealed plans to visit India in the near future. New Delhi is expected to host the next Quad Summit, where leaders from India, the United States, Japan, and Australia are likely to meet.

During the discussions, Modi highlighted concerns regarding the safety of Indian sailors working across global shipping routes. Stressing their crucial contribution to international trade, he said protecting seafarers should remain a priority amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that efforts to reduce regional instability, particularly involving Iran, would place greater emphasis on maritime security. He also underlined the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, noting its critical role in supporting global trade and energy supplies.

The issue has gained urgency following the deaths of three Indian sailors in recent US military strikes involving merchant vessels operating near Oman. Addressing Modi’s concerns, Trump responded by expressing support and concern for those working at sea. Security cooperation was another important topic during the meeting. Trump described India and the United States as close partners and suggested that Washington would stand by India in the event of external aggression, despite the absence of a formal mutual defence treaty between the two countries.

He also highlighted his longstanding personal rapport with Modi and praised the broader economic relationship between the two nations. Relations between New Delhi and Washington have experienced several strains since the leaders last met in Washington in February 2025. Points of friction have included US tariffs on Indian products, American engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership, immigration-related concerns, and tensions arising from incidents involving Indian crew members on vessels targeted during military operations in the Middle East.

In an effort to improve diplomatic momentum, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India earlier this year to strengthen communication between the two governments. Earlier at the G7 outreach session, Modi spoke about the importance of trust in international relations. He argued that while the world possesses sufficient resources, a lack of confidence among nations remains a major challenge.

Referring to former US President Ronald Reagan’s famous phrase, Modi remarked that the principle of “trust but verify” continues to hold relevance in today's geopolitical environment. He said the future strength of international partnerships will depend largely on rebuilding confidence and credibility among nations. The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating the need to safeguard seafarers and ensure that maritime security remains a key priority in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.