Trump Pledges US Support to India if Attacked, Hails Ties at G7 Summit Meeting with PM Modi

United States President Donald Trump, during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday, pledged American support to India in the event of an attack. Speaking to reporters at a joint press briefing, Trump emphasised the strength of the India-US relationship.

"I think it is a great relationship… If they were attacked, we would be there to help them… If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there… If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help," Trump said.

When asked about India's role in West Asia, Trump expressed confidence in India's global influence. "Yes, I do. I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (PM Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role," he stated.

The US President also highlighted his personal rapport with India and Prime Minister Modi. "As long as I am President, they (India) have a great friend in the White House… Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this man," Trump remarked.

During the interaction, Trump described PM Modi as a "very tough negotiator," adding that his genial appearance could be deceptive. "He's a very tough negotiator… He looks so nice, like an angel. But actually, he's as tough as he is a killer… He gets you by surprise," Trump said in a light-hearted tone. He also recalled the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston, where a packed stadium welcomed the Prime Minister, and mentioned plans to visit India in the future.

This meeting, their first in-person engagement in 16 months, comes at a time when bilateral ties have faced friction. Tensions escalated last week after three Indian nationals lost their lives in American attacks on seafarers, while high tariffs imposed by the United States have impacted Indian exports. The leaders' discussions were seen as an effort to revive the strategic partnership.

The two leaders met a day earlier in France, their first one-on-one meeting since the previous year, a period marked by some discord. Analysts viewed the meeting as a crucial opportunity to reset and reaffirm the strategic partnership, particularly in the defence and technology sectors.

Trump's remarks on India's role in West Asia come at a time when the region remains volatile. While he did not specify the nature of India's expected contribution, his words signal a growing expectation from Washington that New Delhi play a more active part in maintaining stability in the Middle East.

Bilateral trade has been a contentious point, with India seeking relief from US tariffs. Trump's characterisation of Modi as a tough negotiator underscores the challenges in reaching a trade deal. Nevertheless, both sides have expressed optimism about finding common ground.

The G7 summit, being held in France, has provided a platform for leaders to address global challenges, and the Modi-Trump meeting is expected to reinforce cooperation on defence, trade, and regional security.