Evian,France/New Delhi, 17 June (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian on Wednesday, with discussions focusing on strengthening strategic ties, advancing a bilateral trade agreement, enhancing defence cooperation, and addressing key regional and global challenges.

The meeting marked the first in-person interaction between the two leaders since February this year. Prime Minister Modi said the India-US partnership had gained new speed and new energy and reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, defence, energy security, critical minerals and emerging technologies.

Trade featured prominently during the discussions as both leaders reviewed progress towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement. President Trump expressed confidence that ongoing negotiations would help further deepen economic ties and increase commercial engagement between the two countries.

The leaders also discussed the evolving security situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and maintaining uninterrupted maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital energy corridors. He also highlighted the welfare and safety of Indian seafarers working on international shipping routes and emphasised the need to safeguard global maritime security.

Defence cooperation was another key focus of the talks. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence partnerships, expanding military cooperation, and enhancing collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. They also exchanged views on developments in the Indo-Pacific, regional stability, and global security challenges.

The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation in clean energy, innovation, and resilient supply chains while underscoring the importance of maintaining a free, open and rules-based international order.

The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by India and Washington to deepen their strategic partnership despite ongoing negotiations over tariffs and market access. Both sides expressed optimism that the bilateral relationship would continue to expand across economic, security and technological domains in the months ahead.

The Modi-Trump meeting was among the most closely watched engagements at the G7 Summit, reflecting the growing importance of the India-United States strategic partnership amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar