Modi warns of ‘shortage of trust’ ahead of Trump meeting

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shook hands and smiled on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G-7) summit in France ahead of their first bilateral meeting in a year.

Noticeably absent was Modi’s trademark bear hug, a hallmark of his interactions with world leaders.

The relatively restrained greeting reflected a relationship that has come under pressure since India’s military confrontation with Pakistan in 2025 and Trump’s tariff measures.

While ties have shown signs of stabilising in recent weeks, key irritants remain.

In a speech on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity” in Evian, Modi warned of a growing trust deficit in global affairs.

The remarks carried added resonance as he prepared to meet Trump. 

“Sadly, today, the world does not suffer from a shortage of resources… it suffers from a shortage of trust,” Modi told the gathering of world leaders, including Trump on June 16.

“And the future of our partnerships depends on re-building this trust.”

Although India is not a member of the G-7, New Delhi has become a regular invitee to the summit, underscoring its growing weight in global economic and geopolitical affairs.

Modi also spent June 16 deepening ties with a range of middle powers, holding talks on trade and security with leaders from countries, including Canada, Britain and the United Arab Emirates.

He later used a series of posts on X to share photos and details of the discussions.

While the talks yielded few major announcements, they reflected New Delhi’s strategy of cultivating ties across regions while strengthening its economic and military capabilities at home.

Maritime tensions

In his speech, Modi also expressed concerns over maritime safety following US strikes on vessels in the Gulf of Oman that killed Indian crew members.

He called on nations to ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear. 

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade,” he said in his address, according to the Press Trust of India.

“We must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear.”

Modi’s first bilateral meeting with Trump in more than a year on June 17 is expected to be brief and is unlikely to yield major announcements.

Still, the talks will offer both sides an opportunity to signal that a relationship strained by tariff disputes and Washington’s growing engagement with Pakistan is finding firmer footing.

Trade is expected to feature prominently as negotiators work to bridge remaining differences and finalise an interim agreement.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit India later in June to push the talks forward. BLOOMBERG