No Hug, No Eye Contact: PM Modi-Trump's awkward handshake, formal gestures at G7 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on Tuesday, marking their first in-person interaction in 16 months. The two leaders were seen shaking hands during a brief exchange, notably without the warm embraces that had often characterized their earlier meetings.

The interaction comes ahead of a full-fledged bilateral meeting scheduled for 6:30 pm IST on Wednesday. The talks are expected to focus on a range of issues, including trade, strategic cooperation, regional security, and developments in West Asia.

The meeting assumes added significance amid growing concerns over the deaths of Indian mariners aboard commercial vessels reportedly targeted by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz. Given India's heavy reliance on maritime trade routes and the large number of Indian seafarers operating in the region, the issue is expected to feature prominently in discussions.

Wednesday's meeting was the first face-to-face engagement between Modi and Trump since bilateral ties came under strain following Operation Sindoor and Washington's decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods. These developments had raised questions about the future trajectory of India-US relations despite continued diplomatic engagement between the two governments.

Although Modi and Trump have spoken several times over the phone in recent months, the upcoming talks are being viewed as an important opportunity to address outstanding concerns, strengthen cooperation, and potentially reset the tone of the relationship.

However, observers noted that the body language during their brief interaction at the summit appeared more restrained than in the past, reflecting the challenges that have emerged in the relationship and setting the stage for closely watched bilateral discussions.

India has been invited as a partner country to the 52nd G7 Summit, being held from June 15 to 17. At the summit, Prime Minister Modi will be engaging with world leaders on issues of importance to India as well as to the Global South. This will be India's 13th participation at the G7 Summit and Prime Minister Modi's 7th consecutive participation at the summit.

June 16 and 17 are the days dedicated to outreach sessions of the G7 Summit and PM Modi will participate alongside other invited countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions will broadly cover focus on the renewable of international partnerships and development solidarity, fostering shared and balanced growth, and effective and efficient rollout of artificial intelligence.

"India's regular participation at the G7 Summits reflects the increasing recognition of India's role and contributions in addressing global challenges relating to peace, security, development and environmental sustainability. Also at the G7, the international forums, including the G20 and the Voice of Global South Summit, India has consistently brought to the forefront the priorities, concerns and developmental aspirations of the Global South," the MEA stated.