Business and community leaders welcome positive momentum on trade, defence and Indo-Pacific cooperation following talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France has generated renewed optimism over the future of India-US relations, with business leaders and members of the Indian American community highlighting advances in trade, defence cooperation and regional security.
Mukesh Aghi, President of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), described the interaction between the two leaders as a positive signal for the bilateral relationship.
“The overarching tone remains positive that both Washington and New Delhi are channelling their best efforts to negotiate the final touches of the trade deal, which has undergone multiple rounds of negotiations at the ministerial and bureaucratic level for over a year now,” Aghi said.
He also welcomed President Trump’s agreement to visit India in the near future, calling it an encouraging development following a Quad engagement in New Delhi that was held only at the Foreign Ministers’ level.
During the interaction, Trump highlighted the close relationship he shares with Prime Minister Modi and emphasised the growing economic partnership between the two countries.
“He’s spending a lot of money in the United States, so we appreciate that, jobs. I just want to say he’s been my friend for a long time now, and we’ve always had a great relationship,” Trump said.
Defence cooperation emerged as another key theme following the meeting.
According to Aghi, defence remains a central pillar of India-US relations, particularly as both nations continue to focus on strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
He noted that New Delhi and Washington remain committed to strengthening maritime security and safeguarding freedom of navigation.
“Both democracies underscore freedom of navigation, after the unfortunate attack on Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman,” he said.
Trump also attracted attention with remarks reaffirming support for India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
“If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there. Now if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it,” Trump said.
“If they’re attacked and he’s the leader, we’re going to be there to help,” he added.
Community leaders also welcomed the positive tone of the meeting.
Jasdip Singh Jassee, a leader of Sikhs of America, said the comments reflected the strength of the India-US partnership and would resonate with many Indian Americans who value close cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies.
“President Trump’s remarks about Prime Minister Modi underscore the personal trust and friendship that have helped advance cooperation between the two democracies. His comments on standing with India in times of need will be welcomed by many Indian Americans and members of the Sikh community who value a strong and stable partnership between the two nations,” Jassee said.
He added that progress towards a trade agreement, stronger defence cooperation and deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific would benefit both countries and create new opportunities for economic growth, innovation and strategic collaboration.
