President Donald Trump has said he plans to visit India as the United States and Delhi try to repair a relationship tested by trade disputes, tensions in the Gulf, and disagreements over regional security.
The U.S. president made the pledge after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Trump said the trip would happen “sometime in the future” and suggested that both sides were close to finalising a trade agreement after months of difficult talks.
The meeting came shortly after three Indian sailors were killed in a U.S. military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Washington said the vessel had been targeted over suspected links to violations of its blockade on Iranian ports, but the incident caused anger in India and prompted Delhi to summon a senior U.S. diplomat.
Modi raised the safety of Indian seafarers during his discussion with Trump, particularly those working near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments. The issue has become politically sensitive at home, with opposition parties accusing Modi of failing to take a stronger public stance against the U.S. action.
Speaking to G7 leaders a day earlier, Modi referred to the conflict in the Middle East and said “several Indian civilians” had died. He also called for stronger protection for maritime workers.
“Today the world does not suffer from a shortage of resources; it suffers from a shortage of trust. And the future of our partnerships depends on building this trust,” Modi said.
India imports most of its oil, making it especially exposed to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Even if shipping through the route resumes soon, energy markets could take time to stabilise.
Despite recent strains, Trump struck a warmer tone after meeting Modi. He called the Indian leader a “tough negotiator” and said the U.S. would help India if it were “attacked.”
Referring to Modi, Trump added, “If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there… Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it.”
Trade remains the main test of the reset. Officials are expected to meet in Delhi next week to work through the remaining details of a proposed deal, although tariffs, immigration restrictions, and Trump’s past comments on Kashmir continue to weigh on ties.