G7 Summit 2026: Will PM Modi Meet Donald Trump in France? MEA Responds

As anticipation builds around the upcoming G7 Summit in France, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the gathering, though it stopped short of confirming a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Responding to a question on a possible Modi-Trump interaction during a special briefing on the Prime Minister’s visit to France and Slovakia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "On such occasions, leaders have the opportunity to have several bilateral meetings. We will keep you informed of these bilateral meetings."

The statement leaves open the possibility of a meeting between the two leaders during the summit, which is scheduled to take place from June 15 to 17 in Evian, France.

Why Is PM Modi’s Participation in the G7 Significant?

India will participate in the 52nd G7 Summit as a partner country, marking its 13th appearance at the forum. It will also be Prime Minister Modi’s seventh consecutive participation in the summit, underscoring India’s growing importance in global discussions on economic development, security and emerging technologies.

According to MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George, Prime Minister Modi will attend the summit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

"The visit will provide an opportunity for the prime minister to engage with world leaders present at the summit on issues of importance to India as well as the Global South," George said.

India’s repeated invitations to the G7 are increasingly seen as recognition of its role in shaping responses to global challenges, particularly those affecting developing countries.

What Issues Will Dominate Discussions at the Summit?

The outreach sessions of the summit, scheduled for June 16 and 17, are expected to focus on strengthening international partnerships, promoting developmental solidarity and ensuring balanced global growth.

Highlighting the agenda, Sibi George said, "This will be India's 13th participation at the G7 summit and Prime Minister Modi's seventh consecutive participation at the summit. On June 16 and June 17, the days dedicated to outreach sessions for the summit, the Prime Minister will participate alongside other invited countries. The discussion will broadly focus on renueve of international partnerships and developmental solidarity, fostering shared and balanced growth and the effective and efficient rollout of artificial intelligence."

Artificial intelligence governance is expected to emerge as one of the key themes, alongside discussions on sustainable development, economic resilience and international cooperation.

What Other Engagements Are Planned During the France Visit?

Before attending the summit in Evian, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Nice on June 13 and 14. During this leg of the visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The leaders are expected to review the full spectrum of India-France ties, which have been elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.

The summit will also provide opportunities for Modi to meet leaders from G7 countries, partner nations and international organisations, with discussions expected to cover peace, security, development and environmental sustainability.

Why Is Attention Focused on a Potential Modi-Trump Meeting?

Interest in a possible meeting between Modi and Trump has grown following a recent message from the US President congratulating the Indian Prime Minister on becoming India’s longest-serving continuously elected prime minister.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Modi, writing: "Congratulations to my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on becoming India's longest-serving Prime Minister - And a Great One he is! He is a strong, healthy, and wise man and will have many years of Greatness and Success ahead of him!"

While no formal announcement has been made regarding a bilateral meeting, the MEA’s remarks suggest that discussions between the two leaders remain a possibility during the summit.

What Is the Broader Significance of the Visit?

Prime Minister Modi’s June 13-18 visit to France and Slovakia comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change. Beyond strengthening India’s partnerships with Europe and G7 nations, the trip is expected to reinforce New Delhi’s efforts to position itself as a leading voice of the Global South and an influential stakeholder in shaping future rules around artificial intelligence, economic cooperation and sustainable development.

With several bilateral meetings expected on the sidelines of the summit, diplomatic attention will remain focused on whether Modi and Trump use the gathering as an opportunity to hold their first face-to-face interaction since Trump’s return to the White House.

(With inputs from ANI)