Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met after 16 months. Many issues were discussed, including the safety of sailors amid attacks on ships, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of US-Indian trade.
Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about the safety of Indian sailors working in the Strait of Hormuz during the brief encounter, and also mentioned stability in West Asia. Follow live updates here
“There are many Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, their safety is of utmost importance,” Prime Minister Modi told Trump during a bilateral meeting.
Read also | PM Modi raises issue of safety of “hundreds of thousands of Indian sailors” in Hormuz during G7 meeting with Trump
Here are the top PM Modi quotes
Modi told Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit that the agreement with Iran provides “new hope for peace and stability” in West Asia. “I am confident that this will lead to long-term peace in the region,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi says he and Trump “agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital to the global economy.” He added that India “continuously stresses the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation.”
“Thousands of Indian sailors work in the maritime sector, and I believe their security is no less important,” Prime Minister Modi told Trump.
Read also | India can play a big role in West Asia, and in everything else as long as Modi remains the leader: Trump
Trump is ready to help India
Trump said the United States “will be there for India” if it is attacked. “If anyone attacks that guy (pointing to Modi), we will be there. Now, if there is a new leader, I’m not sure,” Trump said.
Regarding US-India trade and commerce relations, Trump described Modi as a “very tough negotiator”, praising his political instincts and leadership style.
“He’s one of the most powerful men in reality. He’s the most beautiful man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But he’s actually as strong as they come,” Trump said, adding that appearances can be “deceiving” when it comes to the Indian leader.
Trump also referenced a future engagement, saying, “We’ll go to India at some point in the future.”
He pointed out that India plays a “big role in everything,” adding, “As long as he is the leader, India plays a big role,” referring to Modi.
The US President also said that people in India have “great respect” for Prime Minister Modi.
Trump described the US-Iran agreement as a “very strong” and “very detailed” framework, saying he believes Iran wants to sign the agreement and “return to normal life” after the US-Israel war.
Asked about the Israeli military campaign in Lebanon, Trump said he wanted the US ally to be “able to protect itself” while also urging it to use “good judgment.”
