Trump Says US and India Working on Trade Deals, Assures Support for Indian Sailors
US President Donald Trump said he held a “very good” conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in France, highlighting ongoing efforts between Washington and New Delhi to advance trade agreements and strengthen bilateral ties.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described Modi as a “tough negotiator” and revealed that he plans to visit India at some point in the future. India has reportedly been encouraging a Trump visit for several months, potentially linked to a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia.
Also Read:
The discussion marked the first meeting between Trump and Modi since February 2025, when the Indian leader visited Washington shortly after Trump returned to the White House. During that visit, both sides agreed to work through disputes related to trade and tariffs.
However, relations between the two countries have faced challenges in recent months. The United States imposed higher tariffs on certain Indian goods, penalized India over its purchases of Russian oil, and increased engagement with Pakistan, a longstanding rival of India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to India last month in an effort to improve ties.
A key issue raised during the latest talks was the safety of Indian sailors working in the Gulf region. Modi emphasized that the welfare of Indian seafarers operating along international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, remains a top priority for New Delhi.
Addressing Trump in front of reporters, Modi noted that hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers contribute to global maritime trade and said their safety must receive the highest level of attention. He also expressed confidence that protections for sailors would be prioritized during the implementation of the recent US-Iran peace agreement.
The issue has become particularly sensitive after the deaths of three Indian sailors during attacks on commercial vessels involving US Navy operations in the Gulf, an incident that has added strain to bilateral relations.
When asked about the deaths, Trump offered condolences and acknowledged the risks faced by maritime workers. He described seafaring as a difficult profession and praised the contribution of those working at sea.
Trump also reaffirmed the strength of US-India defense ties, stating that the United States would stand by India if it faced an attack. Referring to Modi, Trump said Washington would be there to help India and support its leadership in times of need.
Read all the Breaking News Live on pakistantimes.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Pakistan Times. Follow us on Whatsapp channel for more.
