Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to meet on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 Summit in France next week, the White House has confirmed. According to PTI, the leaders are expected to hold discussions on Wednesday during the summit.
The meeting comes at a time of significant diplomatic activity surrounding the ongoing situation in the Gulf region, particularly efforts to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
Strait of Hormuz likely to feature in discussions
According to AP, citing a senior US administration official, Trump is expected to discuss plans for demining the Strait of Hormuz with allied nations during the summit.
Britain and France have reportedly expressed interest in supporting efforts to clear mines from the strategic waterway once the conflict is formally paused.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of global attention due to disruptions that have affected shipping movements and energy supplies. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passes through the narrow passage, making any disturbance a major concern for international markets.
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Trump signals progress on Iran agreement
A day earlier, President Trump announced that a “great settlement” had been reached that could bring the conflict involving Iran to an end if Tehran agrees to sign the proposed deal.
He also stated that the Strait of Hormuz would officially reopen once the agreement is signed, potentially as early as this weekend in Europe. Trump said Vice President JD Vance would attend on his behalf.
The announcement followed Trump’s decision to halt planned military action against Iran, despite earlier warnings that key Iranian oil facilities, including Kharg Island, could be targeted. According to Trump, the move came after high-level understandings were reached with Iranian leaders and other nations. However, the US naval blockade of the strait will remain in place until the agreement is finalised.
PM Modi begins France, Slovakia visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a week-long diplomatic visit to France and Slovakia. In his departure statement, he highlighted the importance of ties with France.
“France occupies a special place in India’s strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi said.
India and France maintain close strategic and defence cooperation, with India being a major customer of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets.
First PM-level visit to Slovakia since 1993
Modi’s visit to Slovakia is being described as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. It will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since Slovakia gained independence in 1993.
India’s Ambassador to Slovakia, Apoorva Srivastava, called the visit “historic and extremely important” and expressed hope that it would strengthen ties across several sectors.
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“We had the visit of the Indian President to Slovakia last year, and the President of Slovakia visited India earlier this year for the AI Summit. Now, Prime Minister Modi is visiting. Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia and Prime Minister Modi will meet for the first time. We hope they will share the same personal chemistry that PM Modi has with other leaders, so that our relationship can move forward,” the ambassador said.
“There is a possibility of discussion on avenues for new cooperation, like AI, quantum, clean technologies, automobile components, education and people-to-people partnership”, she added.
FAQs:
Why is the PM Modi-Trump meeting at the G7 Summit important?
The meeting comes amid ongoing developments around the Iran deal and global efforts to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz.
Which countries is PM Modi visiting during his latest foreign tour?
PM Modi is on a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, where he is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks.
