India's Modi warns of trust deficit ahead of meeting with Trump

Swati Pandey, Bloomberg News on Jun 16, 2026

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump shook hands and smiled on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in France ahead of their first bilateral meeting in a year.

Noticeably absent was Modi’s trademark bear hug, a hallmark of his interactions with world leaders. The relatively restrained greeting reflected a relationship that has come under pressure since India’s military confrontation with Pakistan last year and Trump’s tariff measures. While ties have shown signs of stabilizing in recent weeks, key irritants remain.

In a speech on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity” in Evian, Modi warned of a growing trust deficit in global affairs. The remarks carried added resonance as he prepared to meet with Trump.

“Sadly, today, the world does not suffer from a shortage of resources…it suffers from a shortage of trust,” Modi told the gathering of world leaders, including Trump on Tuesday. “And the future of our partnerships depends on re-building this trust.”

Although India is not a member of the G7, New Delhi has become a regular invitee to the summit, underscoring its growing weight in global economic and geopolitical affairs.

In his remarks, Modi also expressed concerns over maritime safety following U.S. strikes on vessels in the Gulf of Oman that killed Indian crew members. He called on nations to ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade,” he said in his address, according to the Press Trust of India. “We must ensure that maritime routes remain secure and that seafarers can perform their duties without fear.”

Modi’s first bilateral meeting with Trump in more than a year on Wednesday is expected to be brief and is unlikely to yield major announcements. Still, the talks will offer both sides an opportunity to signal that a relationship strained by tariff disputes, the conflict in Iran and Washington’s growing engagement with Pakistan is finding firmer footing.

Trade is expected to feature prominently as negotiators work to bridge remaining differences and finalize an agreement. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit India later this month to push the talks forward.