Just handshake, no trademark hug! Safety of Indian sailors paramount, PM Modi tells President Trump

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sternly asserted that it is essential to ensure the safety of Indian sailors while implementing the US-Iran peace deal. This was brought to the fore when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on Wednesday after 16 months.

The Prime Minister said that the safety of hundreds of Indian sailors on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is of utmost importance to the country. PM Modi said that India expects their safety to be given high priority while implementing the peace deal. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Three Indian sailors were killed in a US attack on ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump expressed condolences over the deaths of the Indian sailors.

While responding to the media, US President Donald Trump said that if anyone dares to attack India, the US will be the first country to come to its aid. PM Modi said that there has been a new energy and momentum in the India-US relationship. He was happy with the progress made by the delegations of both countries, including in the trade agreement. The two leaders discussed cooperation in areas such as economic growth, strengthening supply chains, artificial intelligence, investment partnerships, defence, energy and others.

When the two leaders met over lunch on Tuesday, there was no Modi's trademark 'hug'. Instead, it was limited to a handshake.

“I may give a lesson about this person (PM Modi) sitting next to me. He is the most handsome looking person, and you don’t know that fact that he is a tough negotiator, maybe the toughest. Many people see his smile and friendly nature, but he is a total killer when it comes to deals. He loves his country very much. We are thinking about visiting India soon.’ said Donald Trump.

The world needs inclusive and sustainable economic growth, PM Modi said at the G7 outreach session. The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor is an example. It is a strategic initiative that strengthens trade, supply chains, investment and innovation across these regions. Similar projects could be focused on Africa, Latin America and the Pacific Islands.