Modi warns of ‘shortage of trust’ ahead of Trump meeting
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G‑7 summit in Evian, France, with a restrained handshake. In his speech, Modi warned that the world faces a shortage of trust, citing tensions over recent maritime incidents and lingering trade disputes. The meeting is expected to focus on rebuilding ties and advancing trade negotiations, with a U.S. trade envoy slated to visit India later in June.
- ▪Modi and Trump shook hands at the G‑7 summit, avoiding Modi’s usual bear hug, reflecting a strained relationship after the 2025 India‑Pakistan clash and U.S. tariff measures.
- ▪Modi’s speech highlighted a global trust deficit and called for secure maritime routes following U.S. strikes in the Gulf of Oman that killed Indian crew members.
- ▪The leaders’ brief bilateral meeting is unlikely to produce major announcements but aims to signal a thaw in relations and advance trade talks.
- ▪U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to travel to India later in June to push forward an interim trade agreement.
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Modi warns of ‘shortage of trust’ ahead of Trump meetingSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxIndia's Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers a hand to US President Donald Trump during a family photo at the G-7 summit, in Evian-les-Bains, France. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jun 17, 2026, 03:00 PMUpdated Jun 17, 2026, 03:00 PMEVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shook hands and smiled on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G-7) summit in France ahead of their first bilateral meeting in a year.Noticeably absent was Modi’s trademark bear hug, a hallmark of his interactions with world leaders.The relatively restrained greeting reflected a relationship that has come under pressure since India’s military confrontation with…
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