A missing gesture can often signal the state of relations between leaders. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit after 16 months, the usual warm embrace was absent, replaced by a formal handshake. Trump was seen patting Modi on the arm. During the group photo, there was little visible interaction between them, indicating a relationship under strain.
Despite this, expectations remain for a possible improvement when the two hold their first bilateral meeting since February 2025. Modi was among the first leaders to meet Trump after his election win. Relations have since faced challenges, including US tariffs on India, closer US ties with Pakistan, and immigration rules affecting Indian nationals. A trade agreement has also not been reached. The deaths of three Indian sailors in US strikes in the Gulf of Oman further complicated matters.
At the summit in France, Modi spoke of a global shortage of trust and stressed the need to rebuild it for successful partnerships. He also highlighted risks to maritime safety and seafarers’ lives without naming any country. Additional points of friction include the US decision to remove ‘Indo’ from the name of its Indo-Pacific Command and the use of a map showing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of Pakistan.
The upcoming bilateral talks are expected to focus on trade. Analysts note persistent mistrust, suggesting full recovery may take time. India-US relations have been affected by tariff disputes, remarks on the economy, and delays in defence supplies, though India has managed the situation pragmatically.
