Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump met and shook hands on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France [1, 2, 3].
The meeting marks a significant diplomatic reconnection between the two leaders, who are tasked with navigating pressing global issues and strategic partnerships during a period of international instability.
This encounter is the first public meeting between the two leaders in 16 months [1, 2]. According to available records, their last face-to-face meeting occurred in February 2025 [1]. The handshake took place this week during the G7 Summit held in June 2026 [3].
Prime Minister Modi attended the summit in Evian as a representative of India, which is participating as a guest nation for the 13th time [4]. This appearance marks the seventh consecutive G7 summit that Modi has attended [4].
The two leaders engaged in a warm exchange as world leaders gathered in France to discuss global security, and economic cooperation [1, 3]. While the meeting took place on the sidelines of the broader summit, it served as a primary point of engagement for the two heads of state [2, 3].
Observers said the interaction was a key moment of the summit, given the length of time since the leaders last met in person [2]. The meeting occurred amidst wider discussions at the summit involving the U.S., Iran, and the conflict in Ukraine [3].
“Their first public meeting in 16 months.”
The resumption of face-to-face diplomacy between the US and India at the G7 Summit suggests a prioritization of the bilateral relationship to address shared geopolitical concerns. By meeting for the first time since February 2025, the leaders are signaling a return to direct engagement, which is critical for coordinating responses to global conflicts and maintaining economic ties.
