Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, marking their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months. The two leaders greeted each other warmly with a handshake and a brief exchange before joining other world leaders at the summit. However, the familiar Modi-Trump hug that often grabbed headlines during their previous meetings was notably absent.
Meeting Comes Amid Trade Talks
The high-profile meeting comes at a time when India and the United States are moving closer to a much-awaited trade agreement. Relations between the two countries have faced some challenges in recent months, including differences over U.S. tariff measures on Indian exports and discussions surrounding Operation Sindoor and ceasefire-related issues.
Despite these differences, the meeting signaled continued engagement between the two nations on key economic and strategic matters.
Symbolic Moments At The Summit
Visuals from the summit showed PM Modi greeting President Trump with a smile before both leaders took their seats during the leaders’ session. During the proceedings, Trump was also seen making a double thumbs-up gesture while seated next to PM Modi, drawing attention from observers at the event.
The meeting was one of the most closely watched moments of the summit and marked their first in-person interaction since PM Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump’s return to the White House for a second term.
PM Modi Holds Key Bilateral Meetings
PM Modi is in France for a two-day visit to participate in the G7 Summit. This is his seventh consecutive appearance at the annual gathering, reflecting India’s growing importance in global affairs. On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening partnerships and addressing major regional and international issues.
Global Issues Take Centre Stage
The G7 Summit agenda includes discussions on global economic stability, energy security, artificial intelligence, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and other major geopolitical developments. Although India is not a member of the G7, it has become a regular participant in recent years. During the summit, India is expected to highlight the concerns of developing countries and advocate for the interests of the Global South.
Later in the day, PM Modi will join other world leaders at a gala dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
First published on: Jun 16, 2026 07:52 PM IST
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