PM Modi-Trump Meeting On The Sidelines Of G7 Summit | First Meeting In 16 Months | NewsX

[00:00:00]I'm with Pratap Singh you're joining us on News X. Our big focus this hour all eyes are on the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. The high stakes interaction comes at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty and is expected to focus on trade, defense cooperation technology partnerships and regional security. For India key priorities are likely to include strengthening strategic ties with Washington, ensuring stability in a global energy markets and protecting its economic interests amid ongoing conflicts. New Delhi's concerns also include the security of critical maritime routes especially the Strait of Hormuz through which a significant share of India's energy imports pass.

[00:00:37]President Trump meanwhile is expected to see greater cooperation from allies on plans to secure and potentially de-mine the Strait of Hormuz following a possible Iran settlement. The meeting also carries a symbolic significance adding another chapter to the long-standing Modi-Trump engagement that has often shaped the trajectory of India-US relations. Let's take a look at a series of details on what to expect from the meeting. What would be India's priorities as well as concerns, what Trump wants from India as well as a look at the past meetings of PM Modi and President Trump.

[00:01:08]>> [snorts] >> Let's quickly give you more details on of course this uh on uh the build-up to of course this big meeting which we are expecting will be held on the 17th of June in Evian in France.

[00:01:22]>> [snorts] >> Now what to expect with this uh first physical meeting between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi after Operation Sindhu.

[00:01:33]Well, what's to expect?

[00:01:36]Definitely discussions on trade.

[00:01:38]Modi-Trump discussion is likely on the India-USA trade deal.

[00:01:42]>> [snorts] >> Then also a joint statement perhaps on counter-terrorism as well and strengthening this after the Pulwama terror attack.

[00:01:52]Meanwhile also what we're expecting is India likely to brief the US on operation Sindoor which had occurred in May 2025 a detailed briefing to the US president at the highest level. Also talks on energy, security, critical minerals and supply chain resilience amidst global disruptions expected in this meeting as well. Also meanwhile talks we expect to happen on cooperation in the AI sector, in the semiconductor space and in emerging technologies.

[00:02:25]Also [snorts] talks on maritime security in the Gulf region amidst attacks on commercial vessels. This also perhaps will be brought up in this meeting.

[00:02:35]Now what are India's priorities vis-a-vis our relationship with the United States of America and what are India's priorities in this bilateral meeting with the US President Donald Trump? Let's share those with you.

[00:02:47]Strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties. That's something that we would want to seek.

[00:02:54]>> [snorts] >> Also securing H-1B visas for Indian professionals in a smooth process for that. That's something we also expect we would also prioritize.

[00:03:05]Deepen energy cooperation and security.

[00:03:07]That's also something important for us in this partnership with the US.

[00:03:12]Expand defense and strategic partnership. That's something we would also be seeking to do through this meet.

[00:03:19]>> [snorts] >> And enhance squad counterterrorism and regional security cooperation.

[00:03:23]That's again something that we are likely to be focusing on.

[00:03:27]Promote technology, AI and supply chain resilience as well.

[00:03:34]What about the concerns? There are several concerns as well in this partnership which has had a lot of friction in the last 12 months. We seem to have overcome it hopefully.

[00:03:47]What are the concerns though that still remain? Are US tariffs.

[00:03:51]Address punitive tariffs impacting Indian exports and trade balance. That's what we would want.

[00:03:58]Also, the H-1B visa curbs again remains an area of concern. Protect access for Indian IT and skilled professionals is what we would be seeking and wanting.

[00:04:10]Trade deal delays. Push for early finalization of the bilateral trade agreements. Talks and talks and talks, but we would want them finally concluded.

[00:04:20]Russian oil imports issue. Ease US pressure over continued energy purchases from Russia. That's what also remains a concern.

[00:04:29]Market access issues. Seek better access for Indian goods in US markets. That's something perhaps we would be expecting from the US side.

[00:04:39]Also, tech export control. Ease restrictions in on critical technologies and on dual-use items.

[00:04:48]>> [snorts] >> Seafarer safety. That's something that we've been seeing brought up of late with the diplomatic level in India and also at the highest level, the foreign secretary level, too.

[00:05:00]And the foreign minister level, rather, too. Seafarer safety. Seek accountability and assurances after US strikes killed three Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman.

[00:05:13]Now, what about the US side? What are their expectations? What does Donald Trump want? What is he going to be seeking?

[00:05:20]Greater market access for American goods and services in India.

[00:05:26]That's something that Trump wants and would be a priority for the US.

[00:05:35]Also, expanded defense purchases and deeper military cooperation between India and the United States of America. Again, something the US would be seeking in this meeting.

[00:05:49]A joint strategy to counter China's assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific region. That again remains America's priority.

[00:06:01]Also, long-term American oil and LNG exports to India. That's something that again, through the rhetoric, the United States has been emphasizing on.

[00:06:15]Reduction of India's dependence on Russian energy and defense supplies.

[00:06:19]Again, something that they have been seeking for quite a while and emphasizing on.

[00:06:24]Something that Trump wants in this meeting, too.

[00:06:27]Greater market access for tech giants of America in India.

[00:06:33]It's again something that will be on the table from the American side.

[00:06:39]And how and when have the two leaders met? Remember, there's a lot of personal chemistry, a lot of personal praise that the two have for each other.

[00:06:47]Particularly, the US president is very generous in the praise that he showers on his counterpart in India. Uh let's take you through a history of the meetings that the two leaders have held physically.

[00:06:59]June 26, 2017. That meeting was in Washington, D.C. in the USA.

[00:07:04]It was the first meeting between the two. It was focused on counter-terror and on defense.

[00:07:10]Then, the two leaders met on the 28th of June 2019 in Osaka, Japan.

[00:07:15]Prime Minister Modi met Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in 2019.

[00:07:23]In 2019 again, the two leaders met on the 26th of August. This meeting happened in Biarritz, France.

[00:07:30]Both leaders met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

[00:07:38]Then, of course, the big Howdy Modi event that place on the 22nd September in 2019 in Houston, Texas. Howdy Modi event showcased the strong India-US partnership.

[00:07:52]2019, September 24th, so the two leaders meet in New York in the United States of America. The two leaders met at the UNGA and discussed trade, energy, and other issues, too.

[00:08:04]Then on the 24th and 25th of February 2020, Donald Trump was in India along with the first lady. In They met in Ahmedabad and they met in New Delhi. The big Namaste Trump event focused on defense and economic cooperation as well between both sides.

[00:08:23]Then on the 13th of February 2025 after the second presidency of Donald Trump began, uh the two leaders met in Washington, D.C. The talks focused on trade, technology, defense, as well as immigration.

[00:08:38]All right, let's open this up now.

[00:08:39]Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, former diplomat, is joining us live. Ambassador Kwatra, all eyes, of course, on this meeting uh between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi.

[00:08:49]Uh A lot of expectations, a lot of build-up, uh a lot, of course, that India will expect, a lot that the United States of America will also hope for.

[00:08:59]Uh what are going to be the priorities according to you uh for the Indian side in this meeting that will be happening on the 17th? And how hopeful are you as well uh for a breakthrough, a complete breakthrough, and a complete reset? We've been seeing the US try and do that after the friction of last year, but how important will this meeting be in that direction?

[00:09:23]>> Uh thank you. Thank you for uh including me in your program. Um it is an important meeting, there's no doubt about it. It's taking place after 16 months. And um as for the details you yourself have recounted, uh there's never been such a long gap in President Trump's first term. There were so many meetings between the two leaders at all possible occasions and this time it's been a very long 16 months. So that in itself puts its own burden of expectations on the outcome of the meeting and makes everybody a little nervous. But I do think that if you look at outcomes, I hope there will definitely be positive outcomes. And I think the trade deal, the conclusion of the long-awaited trade deal could be one such positive outcome because we've known for a long time it's almost there, it's almost there and just a few things are outstanding. And perhaps in the discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, these last needles will be sorted out and the trade deal will be announced. And I think that could be hugely positive feel-good factor in the relationship that would really immediately set up a big boost. I think certainly there will be a lot of discussion on many issues.

[00:10:40]For example, quad I think could be one of the issues for discussion that we've recently had quad meeting at the foreign ministers level hosted in India which was very important. Now whether that will lead to a quad summit which may take place for example in USA itself on the sidelines of the G20 which America is hosting this year in Florida in the month of December. So I think on quad I do expect that there will be something definitely on quad following up on the foreign ministers meeting in India and very recently. And I think that there are sensitivities definitely.

[00:11:17]Two of the big sensitivities of course one the most immediate one is about the killing of the three Indian seafarers and India has taken it up very strongly with the US government uh their senior most representative Delhi and also through the discussions between um our external affairs minister Dr. Jaishankar and um uh Secretary of State Marco Rubio. But, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back on that and saying that uh you know, there can be no violation of the naval blockade. But, we do know that there have been a lot of violations and a lot of ships have got through. And there's a you know, there's feeling among the Indian seafarers uh who are on many ships that it's it's it's ships with Indian seafarers are being targeted. So, I think that maybe some kind of a mutually agreed statement on this would be very good. Um I think the second big sensitivity, of course, is the aftermath of Operation Enduring uh with uh President Trump stating so many times that he has played an important role in um uh bringing about the peace. But, our Prime Minister's statement in Parliament is very clear-cut and unequivocal and has set the record uh completely uh straight on how the uh uh attacks took place, why they took place, and the whole issue of Pakistan's role as a state sponsor of terrorism. I think this is a a very big um issue for India because we've been uh you know, the victim of the state sponsorship of terrorism that uh Pakistan does. And we also know that after the uh Indian attacks on the headquarters of all the terrorist organizations across Pakistan, uh how a large number of people, of course, were killed and how the the Pakistani military, um you know, took a huge part in um you know, observed mourning the passing away of these terrorist groups, internationally declared terrorist groups, UN-recognized terrorist groups, uh which were attacked by India in Pakistan. And then the army took a huge part in in mourning at the passing away. They were there for the funerals and so on. So, I think this issue of um security, of terrorism, of state-sponsored terrorism, these this is going to be definitely a very important issue. But, I think there are a lot of other aspects on critical minerals. I hope there will be something of India's purchases of American oil. I think all these will definitely could be part of the trade deal. So, overall, I do see the trade deal as a big, strong, positive outcome, and then a discussion of all on all these other issues.

[00:13:53]>> Okay. Raymond Vickery, a former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce, also joins us live from Washington, D.C. now.

[00:14:00]Raymond Vickery, a lot of anticipation here in India ahead of of course this meeting between Modi and Trump on the sidelines of G7. What's the anticipation there in the US where you are? And what do you believe are going to be the priorities on the table from the American side?

[00:14:16]You represent when Trump and Modi meet after quite a hiatus, as Ambassador Sibal just mentioned.

[00:14:26]>> Well, thanks very much for having me and allowing me to comment on this.

[00:14:30]You know, President Trump only has really two approaches to international matters.

[00:14:39]They derive from his experiences as a real estate mogul and as a reality TV star. One, he looks for transactions.

[00:14:52]Two, great people get together.

[00:14:55]They make a deal, and presumably President Trump comes out on top. So, that's his first priority. The second priority is that it looks good for television.

[00:15:07]And I'm afraid in regard to this meeting, which is only a meeting on the sidelines of the G7. And I would point out that there are other sidelines meetings which probably President Trump considers more important with [clears throat] Zelensky in regard to Ukraine, with the UAE and other Gulf states in regard to what happens in Iran.

[00:15:37]One of the great great disappointments of Trump 2.0 is a failure to realize the great importance of the relationship between these two largest and greatest democracies in the world. He's time and time shown again a cavalier approach going one way on tariffs at one time, going back another way, taking credit for things that didn't happen, failing to consult with India in regard to China. So something will happen here that maybe will put a greater facade, if you will, on his view of India and the importance of the relationship.

[00:16:25]So I think that that's that's his orientation. It's very unfortunate. All of the issues which you and the ambassador have listed are very important. They deserve continued importance and announcements and progress rather than just kicking the can down the road. But I don't think you're going to see a receptivity from the president to to getting this relationship back on the track that it should be. So I think the best you can hope for is that you'll have something which will paper over some of the discontinuities, the killing of Indian sailors, the relationships with Pakistan, the sort of G2 approach with China. But I don't think you're going to look for real real progress.

[00:17:24]Progress has to be made. I believe that probably President Trump will want to save that in his own mind for a later time when he can be the star, if you will, in terms of a quad meeting down at Mar-a-Lago on his his home turf. So, this is the situation. I do think that there is a possibility that you could have some sort of breakthrough on energy. There Trump wants to have a deal. President Trump wants to have a deal which will say that India is taking vast amounts more of energy from the United States.

[00:18:07]And obviously from an Indian perspective, the question of energy when you have to import some 85% of your of petroleum products is extremely important. It is true that the the tariff situation has been teed up for resolution for a long time.

[00:18:31]It's very unlikely, however, in my view that that Trump is going to get what he wants, which would be a great sort of victory announcement in view of the fact that India has taken a quite proper and resolute view in terms of its own interest in regard to trade. So, I think you're going to have a lot of made-for-TV hugs and saying how great each other's leaders are, but the hard work of the diplomacy between these two greatest democracies in the world is not back on track yet, uh, and, uh, one can only hope that, uh, a positive, uh, meeting here will get it back on track and really lead, uh, to some substantive announcements, uh, in regard to, uh, India and the US.

[00:19:29]>> Okay. Let me, in fact, uh, quickly, uh, also, uh, bring in now at this point Jagjit Bhacharyya, president CDPR, who also joins us live. Jagjit, uh, thanks for being with us as well as we build up to this meeting between, uh, Trump and Modi in France. Of course, a lot on the agenda for Prime Minister Modi's visit, and we've already been discussing, uh, the bilaterals and the meetings that he's been holding with, uh, Emmanuel Macron as well as the Bharat Innovates.

[00:19:53]Uh, but, uh, this meeting is also going to be important, going to be crucial given the fact that it comes after so long for both leaders. They have been speaking on the phone, and they have been speaking on the phone quite often, uh, but, uh, a physical meeting, of course, is always very important. What do you believe could be the key outcomes of this meet, uh, Jagjit Bhacharyya, and how hopeful are you, uh, for, uh, you know, breakthroughs in some of the key areas that India would be wanting?

[00:20:23]>> You know, from an Indian perspective, there have been quite a few challenges which has been coming up, uh, from the US side in the last 1 year, uh, and they have been coming because of, uh, unilateral US policies being adopted. Um, some of them have already been discussed. For example, trade being one large disruption. So, US and India together is about 30% of the global economy. US, um, is and was, um, one of the largest trade partners of India.

[00:20:51]But, with all the changes that have happened in the US trade policy in the last 1 year, it has really hit the, the Indian exports. Now, of course, Indian government has done well in terms of balancing what we have, uh, lost in terms of exports by finding other markets, but it's been a continuous set of challenges.

[00:21:12]If you look at, you know, the anti-dumping duties that US has been imposing on Indian goods, it has been as high as 630% On the other hand, India's hardly been implementing any of the anti-dumping duties which has been determined. So, even when dumping has been determined, India's not been imposing those duties. But US has not only imposed extremely large duties, but also for a very long period of time.

[00:21:36]That doesn't really show up US as a good trading partner.

[00:21:41]Along with that, the US geopolitical steps taken, especially in the in the Middle East, has hit India's energy supplies. Along with that, we were already, you know, being impacted by the fact that there was a Ukraine-Russia war going on, and therefore the US again had unilaterally put restrictions on Russian oil being purchased.

[00:22:02]And there were conflicting signals coming from the US, which was that at one point time it was encouraging India to buy Russian oil, and then suddenly turning around and and stopping that. You cannot have large economies working on policies which go off and on at a very, very high frequency. And now with the Middle East intervention that has happened from the US, we are really choked. If you can't have Russian oil, if you can't have Middle East oil, then where does India get its energy supplies from? Now, of course, some of the supplies could come from US-controlled energy, such as Venezuela, but that would require a significant amount of industrial changes, because it's not easy to process the kind of oil that comes from Venezuela.

[00:22:46]In addition, it's also impacting the petrochemicals industry of India. Not just petrochemicals, but even the pharmaceutical industry, because some of the upstream for pharmaceutical is petrochemicals. And these medicines fall under the national essential medicines list. So, if you're not able to get the petrochemicals, we're not able to feed our industry, we're not able to feed our MSMEs, while we're also getting challenged on exactly the same products from China. There is a tremendous amount of increase in Chinese exports to India that has happened, which is really and deeply impacting the Indian industry coming on the back of what the US policies have been and their interventions in many of the energy supplying sources.

[00:23:34]And as Ambassador Setty mentioned, there is also the concern about the free flow of ships. There's been concerns about Indian seamen.

[00:23:42]Three of them were killed and we didn't hear any apology from the US side.

[00:23:46]That's deeply concerning. If there is respect for the relationship on the US side with India, then there should have been a prompt apology that would that should have come in. But that didn't happen.

[00:23:59]Now, imagine if the reverse had happened, if some Americans got killed because of Indian military, there would have been a very different reaction from the Indian side. So, we don't see parity in that relationship. So, perhaps some of these issues could be coming up and Yeah, and and I think last I would like to say is that there was also on the table the the the target of a $500 billion trade between US and India to be achieved by 2030. I hope that is revisited. I hope the big picture is kept in mind and moving forward we have the changes in policies that need to happen on both sides.

[00:24:35]>> All right. My thanks to all of our guests for joining us. We've run out of time and