Modi-Trump meeting to headline G7 talks as Iran deal gains momentum
TLE Desk: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a key bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France next week, as Washington signals growing confidence that a deal with Iran to ease tensions in the Gulf region is nearing completion, reports Economic Times.
The meeting in Evian is expected to be among the most closely watched engagements of the summit, marking the first in-person meeting between Modi and Trump in more than a year. Trade, energy security and regional stability are expected to feature prominently in their discussions.
According to US officials, while trade issues will be discussed, no immediate breakthrough is expected, with further negotiations planned in the coming weeks.
The summit comes as Washington claims significant progress has been made toward a broader agreement with Iran aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US officials have indicated that discussions at the G7 will include plans for demining operations in the waterway to restore safe navigation. Britain and France have reportedly expressed interest in supporting such efforts.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, carrying a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Disruptions in the waterway during the conflict have heightened concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security.
US President Trump is also expected to hold separate meetings with leaders from Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during the summit as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilize the Middle East.
The G7 gathering, which brings together leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, is expected to focus on global economic challenges, trade, security issues and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
