New Delhi/Ottawa | June 15, 2025:
As global leaders prepare to convene at the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada next week, diplomatic watchers are closely eyeing a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event. If it takes place, this would mark their first in-person interaction following India’s recent military response against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The Pahalgam incident, which occurred in April and claimed the lives of over two dozen people — including tourists — shocked the international community. India’s subsequent targeted military action was widely seen as a firm signal of its zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism. While there was no official summit or bilateral meeting immediately following the incident, a possible sideline engagement at the G7 could signal an effort to coordinate responses on security, defence, and regional stability.
Though India is not a formal member of the G7, it has been invited as a special guest, along with a few other key strategic partners. The inclusion reflects India’s rising global profile and growing relevance in discussions related to climate change, digital economy, and geopolitical security.
According to diplomatic sources, there has been backchannel communication between New Delhi and Washington to explore the possibility of a brief bilateral discussion. The talks, if they happen, are expected to cover counter-terrorism cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and economic ties, especially in view of growing instability in parts of Asia and the Middle East.
Experts say that a face-to-face meeting would not only strengthen India-US ties but also send a message to hostile actors in the region about the two nations’ shared stance on terrorism and defence collaboration.
President Trump, who is facing a critical election year, may also use the summit to highlight America’s alliances with major democracies like India. On the other hand, PM Modi’s visit comes at a time when India is asserting a more muscular foreign policy, particularly in response to threats from its western borders.
While there is no official confirmation yet, the possibility of a Modi-Trump meet is being seen as one of the key diplomatic storylines to watch during this year’s G7 summit.
