Modi-Trump meeting set for G7 sidelines as Hormuz crisis, global security take centre stage

According to reports, the meeting is expected to take place on Wednesday (June 17) during the summit, which is likely to focus on a range of global security and economic issues, including tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and developments related to Iran.

Hormuz crisis

Ahead of the summit, Trump is expected to discuss plans for demining the Strait of Hormuz with allied nations, according to the Associated Press, which cited a senior US administration official.

Britain and France, both G7 members, have reportedly expressed interest in supporting efforts to clear the strategic waterway once hostilities are paused.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime routes, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil trade. Recent disruptions have affected shipping traffic and contributed to higher crude oil prices in international markets.

Trump signals progress on Iran deal

The planned Modi-Trump meeting comes shortly after Trump announced that a "great settlement" had been reached that could potentially bring an end to the ongoing conflict involving Iran if the proposed agreement is signed.

The US President said the Strait of Hormuz would officially reopen once the deal is finalised, potentially as early as this weekend during discussions in Europe.

He added that Vice President JD Vance would participate in the negotiations on his behalf.

Trump's remarks followed his decision to halt previously planned military action against Iran despite earlier warnings targeting Kharg Island and other major Iranian oil facilities.

According to the US President, the move followed high-level understandings reached with Iranian leaders and other countries involved in the negotiations.

However, the US naval blockade in the region will remain in place until the agreement is formally concluded.

Impact on global energy markets

The tensions in the Gulf have had significant implications for global energy markets.

The disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has tightened oil supplies and pushed crude prices upward.

Government officials noted that India maintained stable domestic fuel prices for the first 76 days of the disruption despite rising international costs.

Price adjustments were introduced only after that period, making India one of the few major economies to delay passing on the increased costs to consumers.

Modi begins France-Slovakia visit

Prime Minister Modi has departed on a week-long visit to France and Slovakia.

In his departure statement, he highlighted the importance of India's relationship with France and described it as a key pillar of New Delhi's strategic outlook.

"France occupies a special place in India's strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership," Modi said.

India and France maintain close cooperation across defence, strategic and economic sectors.

France's aerospace company Dassault Aviation supplies Rafale fighter aircraft to India, making defence ties a major component of the bilateral relationship.

Historic visit to Slovakia

Following the France leg of the tour, Modi will travel to Slovakia in what officials describe as a historic visit.

India's Ambassador to Slovakia, Apoorva Srivastava, said the trip would provide a major boost to bilateral ties and mark the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since the country's independence in 1993.

"We had the visit of the Indian President to Slovakia last year, and the President of Slovakia visited India earlier this year for the AI Summit. Now, Prime Minister Modi is visiting," Srivastava said.

"Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia and Prime Minister Modi will meet for the first time. We hope they will share the same personal chemistry that PM Modi has with other leaders, so that our relationship can move forward," she added.

Srivastava added that discussions are expected to focus on political cooperation, defence ties and new areas of collaboration.

"There is a possibility of discussion on avenues for new cooperation, like AI, quantum, clean technologies, automobile components, education and people-to-people partnership," she said.