Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France on Thursday, 18 June, covering the end of the West Asia conflict, progress on an India-US interim trade agreement, and deepening cooperation under the COMPACT framework across defence, strategic technologies, energy, and trade, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement.

West Asia Peace and Strait of Hormuz

Modi commended Trump for efforts that had produced an understanding to end the ongoing West Asia conflict and restore peace and stability across the broader region, according to the MEA statement. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, and underlined the need to ensure the safety of seafarers operating in the region.

Modi separately posted on his official account on X: 'Pleased to meet President Trump in Evian. We reviewed the sustained progress in our bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and people-to-people ties. Conveyed India's appreciation on the progress in the efforts for restoring peace and stability in West Asia. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. Reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers.'

India-US Trade Deal: Key Developments

The two leaders noted with particular satisfaction the significant progress made in negotiations towards an interim Bilateral Trade Agreement, directing their officials to work towards a 'balanced, mutually beneficial, and commercially meaningful agreement at the earliest', the MEA statement said. Notably, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to visit India next week in connection with these negotiations — a signal that talks are entering a more decisive phase.

COMPACT Framework and Bilateral Cooperation

Both leaders reviewed substantial progress achieved under the India-US COMPACT — Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology — since their meeting in Washington D.C. in February 2025. Key developments across defence, strategic technologies, energy, and bilateral trade were welcomed by both sides, the MEA said. This comes amid a broader push by both governments to institutionalise the partnership beyond transactional engagements.

Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed

Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation across all domains for the mutual benefit of both nations and their peoples, according to the MEA statement. The Evian meeting marks one of the most substantive bilateral engagements between the two leaders since the February 2025 Washington summit, with concrete deliverables now expected on trade and defence timelines.