Modi, Trump Exchange Greetings at G7 Summit Ahead of Bilateral Meeting

Evian, France — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump met briefly and exchanged greetings Tuesday on the sidelines of a G7 Summit outreach session in Evian, France.

The two leaders shook hands and held a short conversation before the G7 working session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity.” The session is being attended by G7 members, partner countries, the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

Modi and Trump are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting Wednesday, with discussions expected to focus on economic growth, supply chains, artificial intelligence, investment partnerships and global security challenges.

The meeting will be their first bilateral engagement since last year’s “Operation Sindoor” against Pakistan.

The White House said Saturday that the meeting will take place before the two leaders join a working lunch with G7 leaders, outreach partners and technology executives.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Modi as he arrived for the summit. The two leaders hugged and greeted each other before the outreach session, which is also being attended by Trump and other G7 leaders.

Upon arriving in Evian, Modi said he looked forward to meeting world leaders and discussing major global issues.

“Reached Evian, France for the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging with world leaders and exchanging views on key global issues. India remains committed to advancing collective efforts for a more sustainable and prosperous planet”, he wrote on X.

India has been invited as a partner country to the 52nd G7 Summit, being held from June 15 to 17. This marks India’s 13th participation in the G7 Summit and Modi’s seventh consecutive appearance at the gathering.

The outreach sessions on June 16 and 17 will include invited countries, with Modi expected to participate in discussions on international partnerships, development solidarity, shared and balanced growth and the effective rollout of artificial intelligence.

The Ministry of External Affairs said India’s regular participation in the G7 reflects the growing recognition of its role in addressing global challenges, including peace, security, development and environmental sustainability.

“India’s regular participation at the G7 Summits reflects the increasing recognition of India’s role and contributions in addressing global challenges relating to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability. Also at the G7, the international forums, including the G20 and the Voice of Global South Summit, India has consistently brought to the forefront the priorities, concerns and developmental aspirations of the Global South,” the MEA stated. (Source: IANS)