Trump-Modi Relations Gain Spotlight Amid G7 Summit

Trump Omits India While Advocating Inclusion of China, Russia in G7

By MANISH ANAND

NEW DELHI, June 17, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relationship with US President Donald Trump has come under renewed spotlight during the ongoing G7 Summit in Canada. A Trump-Modi handshake in the chilly Canadian weather did not materialize, as Trump left for Washington abruptly.

Modi is set to participate in the G7 outreach deliberations, which will also include leaders from six other invited nations in addition to the G7 members. The Prime Minister is expected to push for a united global stance against terrorism, measures to curb terror financing, and a renewed focus on renewable energy. He will aim to present the voice of the Global South before the seven most industrialized nations.

However, before his departure, Trump made a strong pitch for the inclusion of Russia and China in the G7. While China is the world’s second-largest economy, India—currently the fifth largest—ranks ahead of several G7 members such as Canada, the UK, France, and also Russia. Yet, Trump did not advocate for India’s inclusion in the grouping.

Trump has also not referred to Modi in recent public remarks, while continuing to praise Chinese President Xi Jinping. He did, however, once claim that he “doesn’t get credit for working out a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.” India has officially denied any third-party involvement in the ceasefire agreement, but Modi has yet to publicly rebut Trump’s repeated assertions.

Meanwhile, India–US bilateral trade negotiations remain a work in progress. Reports suggest the two countries are in tough discussions over certain goods, including apples and dairy products, which could adversely impact Indian farmers and producers. Trump had previously linked trade discussions to his claimed role in the Indo-Pak ceasefire.

The Opposition Congress party mocked Trump’s omission of India from his list of countries he believes should join the G7. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at Modi’s supporters, pointing to Trump’s sudden exit from Canada ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival for the outreach session.

Modi and Trump last met at the White House during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US. At a joint press conference, Trump complained that India imposed trade barriers on American goods. Modi, in Trump’s presence, asserted that India and the US would soon double their bilateral trade to $500 billion. Trump also publicly criticised Apple CEO Tim Cook for planning to manufacture iPhones in India for the US market.

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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