By Kashmira Konduparty
President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit on Wednesday, discussing trade, defense cooperation and ongoing international conflicts as both leaders sought to strengthen ties between their countries.
The meeting marked one of the most closely watched engagements of the Summit, coming amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, continued fighting in Ukraine and ongoing negotiations over trade issues between New Delhi and Washington.
In a noteworthy interaction of the two leaders, Trump said he would “be there for India” if the country is ever attacked. However, he laid down a condition. He added that he would only help India if Modi remains India’s leader. “Now if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it,” Trump added.
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Although there is no official statement, the leaders are said to have reviewed defense and strategic partnerships, which have grown significantly in recent years as the United States and India seek closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The talks also touched on global security challenged, including developments involving Iran and the conflict in Ukraine. Trump briefed Modi on the latest diplomatic efforts involving Tehran after announcing that Unites States and Iran had agreed to terms aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Modi, who attended the Summit as a guest leader, held meetings with several world leaders during the gathering. India has continued to position itself as a key voice on issues ranging from economic development and climate policy to geopolitical stability.
The broader G7 Summit focused on supports for Ukraine, concerns over China’s dominance in critical minerals supply chains and measures to strengthen economic cooperation among advanced economies. Leaders also discussed global energy security and the impact of ongoing conflicts on international markets.
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Trump remained a central figure throughout the summit, particularly after unveiling details of the Iran agreement and emphasizing what he described as the United States’ leading role in resolving international disputes.
One of the lighter moments of the gathering came when Trump arrived late to a meeting of world leaders and jokingly declared, “I am the boss,” drawing laughter from those in attendance. The comment quickly gained attention on social media and became one of the most widely discussed moments of the summit.
Despite the brief humorous exchange, Trump used the summit to reinforce his message that the United States remains a dominant force in international diplomacy. He repeatedly highlighted Washington’s role in negotiations involving Iran and argued that American leadership was essential to maintaining global stability.