Evian-les-Bains (France), Jun 18 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, focusing on bilateral ties, trade, regional security and maritime safety, with Trump asserting that India would play a major global role under Modi’s leadership and assuring support in the event of any attack on the country.
During the meeting as per news agency JKNS, Prime Minister Modi raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating across global maritime routes and urged that their protection be accorded the highest priority during the implementation of the US-brokered peace agreement with Iran.
Referring to the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade, Modi said India has consistently advocated freedom of navigation and highlighted the role of Indian seafarers in international maritime commerce.
“Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working across global maritime trade routes and their safety is of utmost importance to us,” Modi said, expressing confidence that the issue would receive due attention under the peace framework.
The meeting came amid concern in India over the deaths of three Indian crew members in recent US military strikes involving merchant vessels in the region.
Responding to media queries, Trump described India as a trusted partner and said New Delhi would continue to play a significant role in global affairs under Modi’s leadership.
“I think India plays a big role in everything as long as he is the leader. India is going to play a big role,” Trump said.
The US President also assured support to India in the event of any security challenge.
“If they (India) were attacked, we would be there to help them,” Trump said, adding, “If anybody attacks that man (Modi), we are going to be there.”
Trump praised Modi’s negotiating skills and described him as one of the toughest negotiators while expressing optimism over the proposed India-US trade agreement.
On bilateral trade talks, Trump said the two countries were “very close” to finalising a trade deal and reiterated his intention to visit India in the future.
Meanwhile, addressing an outreach session of the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi proposed the creation of the International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT), aimed at boosting connectivity and economic cooperation among G7 nations, India and countries of the Global South.
Drawing inspiration from the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Modi said the proposed framework could support connectivity projects across Africa, Latin America and Pacific Island nations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis on developing nations, saying disruptions in fuel, food and fertiliser supply chains could have long-term consequences for the Global South.
He stressed that vulnerable countries should not bear the burden of geopolitical conflicts alone and called for stronger support mechanisms through international financial institutions to help developing economies withstand global shocks. (JKNS)
