Trump and Modi May Hold Bilateral Meeting at G7 Summit

USA: United States President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi might hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 Summit in France, informed sources. The summit is scheduled to be held on June 16 and 17, and is to host the leaders of the world’s advanced economies for discussions on economic challenges, security issues, trade, technology, and other global matters. While both Trump and Modi are attending the summit, this will give both of them an opportunity for a one-on-one conversation. Sources said that modalities for a possible meeting between the two leaders are being explored, although the same has not yet been officially confirmed, adding that it would largely depend on how the final schedule of meetings at the summit materialises. Such a meeting would be an important interaction for the leaders of both India and the USA, in a year when the two countries are strengthening their ties in a multitude of sectors ranging from defence, technology, and trade to strategic issues. The agenda for talks between the two leaders is expected to include a number of issues of importance for both countries. Recent discussions between the two countries have ranged across trade negotiations, supply chains and supply chains partnerships, new and emerging technology, the defence relationship, and regional security dynamics. The anticipated meeting between Modi and Trump would also be important in the backdrop of both countries working closely towards strengthening economic relations and partnerships in new technology sectors, semiconductor manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, along with other critical technologies. Diplomatic sources will be closely following this summit as there will be expectations on confirming a bilateral meeting, and if it does happen, then what would be the key highlights for further bilateral ties?