India, US 'very close' to trade deal: Trump
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter of Indian seafarers coming under attack in the Gulf with US President Donald Trump, affirming that
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter of Indian seafarers coming under attack in the Gulf with US President Donald Trump, affirming that their safety and security was of paramount importance, as the two met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France in what was their first structured in-person meeting since February 2025."We have always said that freedom of navigation should be ensured and we should also stress upon that," Modi told Trump in his opening remarks on Wednesday.Also read: 'Just look at him!': Trump gushes over PM Modi's 'calm, cool, killer' persona ahead of bilateral meeting"Lakhs of Indian seafarers are on duty in different seas of the world in the sector of maritime trade. I believe that their security is equally important... I am confident that in the deal (with Iran), security of seafarers will be ensured and prioritised."Both had exchanged pleasantries briefly at a G7 session on the day before. 131815112Trump also said that the two countries were "very close to a trade deal." The accord has been under negotiations for more than a year. "You and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy," Modi said on Wednesday, stressing that India had consistently advocated unrestricted maritime movement.The PM lauded Trump's efforts to ease tensions in West Asia and advance peace initiatives in the region.
US-Iran Deal on Friday "I commend you for your leadership on the progress in peace efforts in West Asia," he said, adding that the US President had helped create "a new hope for peace and stability" in the region.The US and Iran are due to sign a deal in Geneva on Friday. India is hoping that the agreement will create conditions for the easing of tensions in West Asia, freeing up supply lines for energy and other vital resources.India-US ties entered a difficult phase following Operation Sindoor amid Trump's statements that he had helped broker a peace deal with Pakistan. Then came the US administration's decision to impose steep tariffs on India as well as other nations. Trump warming up to Pakistan, especially over negotiations with Iran, has also caused discomfort in New Delhi.The relationship was further complicated by US attacks on ships in the Gulf staffed by Indian sailors when the Strait of Hormuz blockade was in place. India had twice summoned US charge d'affaires Jason Meeks last week over the matter. External affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to US counterpart Marco Rubio to register the country's protest. The US defended its actions.According to the US State Department, Rubio told Jaishankar that violations of the American blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz "will not be tolerated" and insisted that commercial vessels must comply with instructions issued by US forces operating in the region.
The BriefWire