Évian-les-Bains, France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the G7 Summit platform to raise concerns over the safety of global shipping routes and seafarers, while also holding a series of key bilateral meetings with leaders from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. The summit, meanwhile, was dominated by discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, the evolving Iran situation, global trade and energy security.

The two-day gathering brought together leaders of the world’s major economies amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with maritime security, trade, conflict resolution and strategic partnerships emerging as major themes.

Modi Raises Seafarer Safety Concerns Amid Global Maritime Tensions

In one of the most significant interventions from India at the summit, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the urgent need to safeguard international maritime routes and protect seafarers working in increasingly volatile regions.

His remarks came in the wake of a recent incident in which Indian nationals lost their lives while serving aboard a merchant vessel caught in the broader conflict-linked security environment in the Gulf region. Referring to the tragedy, Modi stressed that the international community must ensure that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear and that shipping lanes remain secure and open.

The issue gained particular significance as leaders discussed the future of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy and trade chokepoints. Global concerns over maritime security have intensified following tensions linked to the Iran crisis and military activity in the region.

Modi-Trump Meeting in Focus

A major highlight of the summit was the anticipated bilateral engagement between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, their first face-to-face interaction since 2025.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by India and the United States to deepen economic cooperation and advance discussions on trade-related issues. It also came at a time when both nations are navigating a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape shaped by developments in the Middle East and Europe.

The White House had confirmed ahead of the summit that the two leaders would meet on the sidelines of the gathering. Discussions were expected to cover trade, energy security, strategic cooperation and regional stability, particularly in light of the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and global shipping routes.

Modi’s remarks on maritime security also resonated during broader summit discussions attended by Trump and other world leaders, underlining India’s concern over the safety of international commerce and civilian sailors.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Canada, UK and UAE in Focus

Beyond the Trump meeting, Modi engaged in a packed schedule of bilateral discussions with several key leaders.

Resetting India-Canada Relations

One of the most closely watched meetings was Modi’s interaction with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The talks were seen as an important step toward rebuilding ties after a prolonged period of diplomatic strain between New Delhi and Ottawa.

The leaders discussed avenues to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, critical minerals, technology and investment. The meeting signaled a willingness on both sides to move beyond recent tensions and explore a more constructive partnership.

India and Canada also emphasized their shared democratic values and the potential for expanded collaboration in areas crucial to future economic growth. The dialogue was viewed as an effort to inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations at a time when both countries are seeking stronger economic partnerships.

Strengthening India-UK Engagement

Modi also held talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and maintaining momentum in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Trade and economic collaboration featured prominently in the dialogue, reflecting ongoing efforts by both governments to deepen commercial ties. The leaders reviewed progress in their relationship and explored opportunities for greater cooperation across multiple sectors.

Engagement with UAE Leadership

The Prime Minister’s meeting with UAE leadership further reinforced the importance of the India-UAE strategic partnership. Discussions covered economic cooperation, investment opportunities and regional developments.

The UAE remains one of India’s most significant partners in the Gulf region, and the interaction underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthening trade and investment links while maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues.

Ukraine Returns to the Centre of Global Attention

While the Iran situation dominated headlines in the lead-up to the summit, discussions increasingly shifted toward the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Trump indicated that his administration’s attention would now focus more intensely on the Ukraine conflict following what he described as progress on the Iran front. Trump revealed that he had held separate conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressed optimism about the possibility of negotiations.

“I think they’re both open to it,” Trump said, referring to Moscow and Kyiv, while emphasizing the continuing human cost of the war. He estimated that around 25,000 people per month were dying in the conflict, most of them soldiers.

Trump later held talks with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit. According to reports, the meeting was viewed positively by both sides and raised hopes among several G7 leaders that diplomatic momentum could be building.

Zelenskyy used the opportunity to press for stronger action against Russia, including additional sanctions targeting Russian oil exports and military production. He also highlighted Ukraine’s recent battlefield gains and presented evidence of damage caused by Russian attacks, including strikes on religious and civilian sites.

European leaders welcomed the improved tone between Trump and Zelenskyy, seeing it as a potentially important development in efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement. However, differences remain over the scope and timing of additional sanctions against Moscow.

Iran Deal Shapes Summit Conversations

Another major issue dominating discussions was the evolving US-Iran agreement.

Trump announced that a framework understanding with Iran had been reached and suggested that attention could now shift toward resolving the Ukraine conflict. The proposed arrangement includes measures aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing tensions in the Gulf region.

The agreement reportedly envisions sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets if Iran fulfills its commitments, while maintaining restrictions designed to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, several details remain unresolved, and European leaders expressed caution regarding implementation and verification mechanisms.

The future of maritime security in the Gulf remained a central concern, particularly given the global economic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions focused on ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies and safeguarding commercial shipping routes from future disruptions.

India’s Broader Message at the G7

Throughout the summit, Modi projected India’s position as a major voice on global challenges ranging from maritime security and trade to conflict resolution and economic cooperation.

His engagements with leaders from advanced economies and emerging partners reinforced India’s growing diplomatic influence. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on the safety of seafarers and the protection of global trade routes also highlighted India’s role as a major maritime nation with significant stakes in international shipping and energy security.

As the summit progressed, India’s message remained consistent: global stability, secure supply chains, open sea lanes and peaceful resolution of conflicts are essential for sustained economic growth and international cooperation.

With discussions spanning maritime security, trade partnerships, Ukraine, Iran and strategic diplomacy, the G7 Summit once again underscored India’s expanding role in shaping conversations on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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