Trump, Modi push trade deal at G7 amid strain over Gulf attack
Why it matters: Modi raised the deaths of three sailors after a US strike on Indian-crewed vessels in the Gulf of Oman.
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France and moved to steady a relationship strained by tariffs, regional tensions and a recent US attack on Indian-crewed vessels. Trump said Washington and New Delhi were very close to a long-delayed trade agreement after months of negotiations. Modi used the meeting to press India’s concern over maritime security after the Gulf of Oman attack left at least three sailors dead. He said freedom of navigation must be protected and that the safety of thousands of Indian seafarers is critical. The talks were the leaders’ first in-person meeting since Modi’s White House visit in early 2025.