Modi-Trump reset? Trade, tariffs and trust dominate G7 talks

During the recent G7 Summit in Evian, the Indian Prime Minister and the US President engaged in bilateral discussions focusing on trade, tariffs, and defence cooperation. The interactions lacked the usual physical embraces, featuring only firm handshakes. Trade imbalances remain a primary issue, with the US previously imposing tariffs up to fifty percent on Indian imports, which were later negotiated down to eighteen percent. The US President urged India to purchase American oil and described the Indian leader as a tough negotiator. Discussions also covered the safety of Indian sailors amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The bilateral relationship faces additional friction due to the US removing the prefix from the Indo-Pacific Command, displaying a map showing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of Pakistan, and delays in supplying aviation engines for Indian fighter jets. Despite these challenges, both leaders committed to rebuilding trust and expanding bilateral trade targets to five hundred billion dollars by twenty-thirty. Trade negotiations are scheduled to resume in New Delhi later in June.