A Modi-Trump meet on the cards after 16 months? Buzz over G-7 encounter next month in France

A possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the upcoming G7 Summit in France is drawing significant attention.

The two leaders, known for their high-profile public appearances and strong personal chemistry, have not met in person since PM Modi’s visit to the White House in February 2025, shortly after Trump returned to office.

Now, with France hosting the G7 Summit from June 15 to 17 in Evian-les-Bains, diplomatic circles are closely watching whether the two leaders will finally cross paths again.

According to a report in India Today, even though India is not a permanent member of the G7, Prime Minister Modi has once again been invited as a special guest by French President Emmanuel Macron. A formal bilateral meeting has not been announced, but a pull-aside interaction between Modi and Trump is widely being discussed.

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A relationship marked by warmth and friction

When PM Modi visited Washington in February last year, Trump described him as a “great friend”, and both leaders announced plans to expand India-US trade to $500 billion by 2030. The meeting was seen as an effort to strengthen ties despite growing trade disagreements.

However, tensions escalated in May during the India-Pakistan conflict. Trump repeatedly claimed that he had helped prevent a larger war between the two countries through trade pressure and diplomatic intervention. India publicly rejected those claims and maintained that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly with Pakistan.

The two leaders were also expected to meet during the G7 Summit in Canada last year, but the meeting did not happen after Trump left the summit early. Trump later invited PM Modi to stop in Washington on his return journey, but India declined the proposal because of the Prime Minister’s already scheduled visit to Croatia.

Trade tensions strained ties

India-US relations faced further pressure after Washington imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods and an additional 25 per cent linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Senior members of the Trump administration criticised New Delhi, arguing that India’s oil imports from Russia were indirectly supporting Moscow in the ongoing Ukraine war.

India, however, maintained its independent position and did not publicly respond aggressively to Trump’s criticism. PM Modi also skipped some international events where he could have potentially met Trump.

Relations appeared to improve later as trade negotiations resumed and tariffs were reportedly reduced. Trump also returned to using friendly language while referring to PM Modi in public remarks.

The two leaders last spoke over the phone in April this year, discussing bilateral ties and West Asia situation.

Now, attention is turning to France, where even a brief interaction between PM Modi and Trump at the G7 Summit could shape the next phase of India-US relations, especially on trade and strategic cooperation.