US President Donald Trump expressed strong support for India during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. The meeting took place in Evian-les-Bains and marked their first one-on-one interaction since Operation Sindoor in May 2025. It was also their first meeting in 16 months.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Trump described his discussion with PM Modi as “very good” and highlighted the close relationship between India and the United States. He said, "India and the US have a great relationship. We cannot be closer. Both he and I, and our nations. It really starts with the two of us. We cannot be any closer."

During the interaction, Trump made a strong statement about America's support for India. Referring to Prime Minister Modi, he said, "If Modi is the leader and India is attacked, we will be there to help them." He further added, "If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there."

In a lighter moment, Trump joked about future leadership in India and said, "Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure," drawing laughter from those present.

The meeting was significant as it came at a time when both countries had been trying to improve ties after facing several challenges in recent months. Relations between New Delhi and Washington had been affected by tariff-related disagreements, differences over Trump's claims of mediating the India-Pakistan conflict, stricter US immigration policies affecting Indians, and the deaths of three Indian sailors in recent American military strikes involving commercial vessels near Oman.

Trump's remarks also came in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. India launched the military operation on May 7, 2025, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people. Under Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

The military confrontation between India and Pakistan continued for nearly 88 hours before both countries reached an understanding on May 10 to stop hostilities. India has consistently maintained that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly between New Delhi and Islamabad. The government has rejected Trump's earlier claims that he played a role in mediating the situation.

During the meeting, Trump also praised PM Modi's leadership and his approach to trade negotiations. Calling the Indian Prime Minister a strong negotiator, he said, "He's a tough trader." Trump also expressed confidence in India's future under Modi's leadership and stated, "As long as he is the leader, India is going to do very well."

The US President was also asked about the deaths of three Indian sailors who were killed in recent American military strikes involving commercial ships in the Gulf region. Responding to the question, Trump said, "I heard about that. It is a rough profession. We're working at it."

The deaths had become a point of concern for India. Following the incident, India summoned the US Charge d'Affaires twice within 48 hours to convey its concerns over the attacks. One of the strikes resulted in the deaths of the three Indian sailors.

The meeting between Modi and Trump was their first face-to-face interaction since February 2025, when the Indian Prime Minister visited the White House shortly after Trump's return to office for a second presidential term. The talks also followed a recent visit to India by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which both countries discussed ways to strengthen their strategic partnership despite existing differences.

Although disagreements remain on issues such as US tariffs on Indian goods, the latest meeting reflected a shared willingness to stabilise bilateral ties. Both leaders signalled their intention to deepen cooperation in key strategic and economic areas and continue strengthening the partnership between the two countries.