Évian, France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that the world is facing a growing “trust deficit” in international relations, trade and technology, delivering the message ahead of his closely watched meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. The remarks come at a time when India and the United States are navigating sensitive issues ranging from trade and tariffs to maritime security and developments in West Asia.
Addressing the G7 Outreach Session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” Modi said that while the world possesses abundant resources, it is increasingly suffering from a shortage of trust. He emphasized that mutual trust has become the most important strategic asset in the modern world and argued that the future of international partnerships depends on rebuilding confidence among nations.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against the misuse of trade and technology for narrow national interests, stating that such practices have contributed to uncertainty in the global order. His comments were widely interpreted as a broader appeal for fair and transparent international cooperation amid growing geopolitical competition and trade disputes.
Modi’s remarks came with President Trump present at the summit, adding significance to the message ahead of their first bilateral meeting in more than 16 months. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including trade negotiations, visa policies, energy cooperation and regional security developments.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of protecting global maritime routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers. His comments followed recent tensions in West Asia and concerns over attacks on commercial shipping, including incidents involving Indian sailors. Modi underlined that those working at sea should be able to carry out their duties without fear and that freedom of navigation remains essential for global commerce.
Welcoming progress in the recent US-Iran peace initiative, Modi expressed hope that stability would return to the region and that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for international trade. He noted that prolonged conflict in West Asia had not only caused humanitarian suffering but had also disrupted global supply chains and economic activity.
The meeting between Modi and Trump is expected to attract significant attention because it comes amid ongoing discussions over tariffs, trade access and immigration issues affecting Indian professionals in the United States. Both countries have been working toward a broader trade arrangement, although officials have indicated that a final agreement is unlikely to be concluded during the summit itself.
Despite periodic differences, India and the United States continue to maintain a broad strategic partnership covering defense, technology, energy and Indo-Pacific cooperation. Earlier agreements between the two countries emphasized collaboration in critical technologies, supply chains, maritime security and regional stability.
As global leaders gather at the G7 Summit to discuss economic challenges, security concerns and international cooperation, Modi’s call for rebuilding trust is likely to resonate beyond the summit venue. With geopolitical tensions continuing in several regions, the Prime Minister argued that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law must remain the foundation of global partnerships in the years ahead.
