U.S. President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “tough negotiator” following their meeting at the 2026 G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.

The Trump-Modi G7 meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, focused on U.S.-India trade negotiations, bilateral relations and the safety of Indian seafarers operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump-Modi G7 Meeting Focuses on Trade

Speaking to reporters after the bilateral discussions, Trump said he had held a “very good” conversation with Modi and confirmed that the United States and India were continuing to work on trade deals.

Trump described Modi as a “tough negotiator,” reinforcing a familiar theme in his public comments about the Indian leader. No new trade agreement was announced during the appearance.

The meeting was the leaders’ first face-to-face discussion since Modi visited Washington in February 2025, when the two governments agreed to work toward resolving differences involving trade and tariffs.

Modi used the meeting to emphasize the safety of hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers working along international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

He said their protection was of “utmost importance” to India and urged that the issue receive priority as the United States implements its understanding with Iran.

Trump also said the United States would assist India if the country were attacked, underscoring the defense dimension of the bilateral relationship.

Trump Signals Possible India Visit

Trump told reporters that he expected to travel to India “sometime in the future,” although he did not announce a date.

The meeting offered both governments an opportunity to publicly emphasize cooperation while trade and tariff issues remain under discussion. Its significance extends beyond the leaders’ personal rapport because decisions on commerce, maritime security and defense could affect the broader U.S.-India strategic partnership.