The meeting, scheduled ahead of a working lunch involving G7 leaders, partner nations and top technology executives, comes at a significant moment in India-US relations. Modi and Trump are expected to discuss economic growth, resilient supply chains, artificial intelligence, investment partnerships and a range of global security issues. The two leaders briefly interacted and exchanged greetings during the summit’s outreach session on Tuesday, marking their first face-to-face engagement since February 2025.
India is participating in the summit as a guest nation for the 13th time, while this marks Modi’s seventh consecutive appearance at the G7. The three-day summit, hosted by France from June 15 to 17, has brought together major economies and selected partner countries to deliberate on pressing international challenges.
Modi Raises Alarm Over Global Trust Deficit
Addressing the outreach session titled Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity, Modi delivered a broader message on the state of global affairs, arguing that the world today faces a shortage not of resources, but of trust.
The Prime Minister urged nations to move beyond the traditional donor-recipient model and instead build relationships based on equality, transparency and mutual respect. He emphasised that countries of the Global South seek genuine partnerships rather than assistance and highlighted India’s developmental engagement across Africa in areas such as agriculture, water management, energy, training and capacity building.
His remarks reflected India’s growing effort to position itself as a leading voice of the Global South and a bridge between developed and developing economies.
Maritime Security and West Asia Concerns
Modi also drew attention to the impact of instability in West Asia, particularly disruptions to maritime trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that conflicts in the region had caused loss of life and property and adversely affected global commerce.
Highlighting the deaths of Indian civilians and sailors, the Prime Minister stressed that ensuring the safety of seafarers and securing maritime routes remains a collective international responsibility.
The issue carries particular significance amid recent tensions involving US military actions in the Gulf region and growing concerns over the vulnerability of global shipping lanes.
Series of High-Level Bilateral Engagements
Beyond the anticipated Trump meeting, Modi has held a series of important bilateral discussions with world leaders in Évian. He met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to review progress in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering technology, trade, investment, energy and defence cooperation.
The Prime Minister also met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both leaders reviewing bilateral ties and discussing avenues for deeper cooperation in trade, energy and technology. Modi later described the interaction as another step towards strengthening India-Canada relations.
Additionally, he held talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on expanding economic cooperation following the recently signed India-UK trade agreement.
Debt, Critical Minerals and AI Dominate Agenda
The summit’s broader agenda has centred on global debt vulnerabilities, critical mineral supply chains and the governance of emerging technologies. G7 leaders pledged to intensify efforts to address rising debt burdens in developing economies and called for reforms that encourage greater private-sector investment.
Another major focus has been reducing dependence on China for critical minerals essential to energy, defence and technology sectors. France has pushed for coordinated measures to strengthen alternative supply chains and enhance economic sovereignty among Western partners.
On the summit’s final day, leaders are also expected to discuss the security risks posed by artificial intelligence and social media, with prominent technology executives joining deliberations.
As Modi prepares for his formal talks with Trump, the meeting is expected to serve as an important opportunity to address lingering tensions while reaffirming the strategic importance of the India-US partnership in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
