At the G7 Summit, US President Donald Trump stated Washington will help India if it's attacked, but only if Narendra Modi is the leader. Trump lauded defence ties and called himself a 'great friend' of India, reinforcing support for the PM Modi-led nation.
Trump Pledges Support for Modi-led India
US President Donald Trump, as a sign of unwavering support to India, stated that Washington will help India if the nation is attacked, provided Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the leader. During a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 52nd G7 Summit, Trump lauded the defence relations between India and US and affirmed support precisely for the PM Modi-led nation during conflict situations. "I think it is a great relationship. If they were attacked, we would be there to help them. We don't have a contract, but if they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help. If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there. If there is another leader, I don't know about that, but if they are attacked and he is the leader, we are going to help", Trump said. The two leaders were seen shaking hands after US President's act of friendship and support for PM Modi.
Furthermore, the US President also recognised himself as a "great friend" of India, adding that the Indian Prime Minister is well respected in Washington. "As long as I am President, they (India) have a great friend in the White House. Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this (PM Narendra Modi) man," he said.
Bilateral Talks on Trade and Geopolitics
The two leaders met at the G7 Summit in France, their first in-person talks in 16+ months, a move past trade and geopolitical tensions and steadying the relationship between the two democracies. It started with a warm handshake at Tuesday's G7 outreach. By Wednesday, PM Modi and Donald Trump were in serious talks. And Trump even called the Prime Minister "calm and cool."
The White House had earlier confirmed that the meeting would focus heavily on advancing the proposed India-US trade agreement.
Earlier sources also said that PM Modi and Trump were likely to discuss the situation in West Asia, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, energy imports from the United States and the proposed bilateral trade agreement during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. The sources also said both countries are keen on building a long-term energy partnership, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in the energy sector amid concerns over disruptions to global supply chains caused by tensions in West Asia.
The proposed India-US trade deal is in its final stages, with negotiations progressing steadily and work on the agreement expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The two nations reached an interim trade agreement earlier in February after a year of talks.
The meeting assumes significance as instability in the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact global energy markets and maritime trade. The narrow waterway remains one of the world's most critical shipping routes, handling a substantial portion of global oil and gas supplies. (ANI)
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