Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-stakes bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16, 2026, as India navigates a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by its strained relationship with the United States.
The Bilateral Marathon
Modi met separately with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meetings covered trade, defence cooperation, clean energy, and regional security.
The India-Canada meeting was particularly significant, with both sides agreeing to accelerate negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement. According to officials familiar with the talks, the two leaders discussed resolving outstanding agricultural market access issues and services trade barriers.
The US Trust Deficit
The backdrop to Modi diplomatic push is the uneasy state of India-US relations. Ties soured in 2025 after former President Donald Trump claims of mediating between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, and Washington decision to impose heavy tariffs on Indian goods.
Modi is scheduled to meet Trump for a structured bilateral on Wednesday, June 18. Officials say both sides are working to finalize a limited bilateral trade deal that could reduce tariffs on select goods and ease technology transfer restrictions.
Middle East and Energy Security
In his meeting with the UAE President, Modi discussed the evolving Middle East situation, particularly concerns around crude oil supply routes. With oil prices hovering near three-month lows after hopes of a US-Iran diplomatic breakthrough, energy security and stable pricing were key topics.
India at the High Table
India presence at the G7 as an invited guest underscores its growing strategic importance. The summit agenda — covering AI governance, climate finance, and supply chain resilience — aligns closely with India own priorities as it positions itself as a voice for the Global South.
What This Means for India
The G7 bilaterals suggest India is pursuing a multi-aligned foreign policy — deepening ties with traditional Western partners while maintaining strategic autonomy. The Canada FTA talks could open new markets for Indian IT services and pharmaceuticals. The UK relationship, already strong, could see new defence and technology partnerships.
Sources: Indian Express, NDTV, GKToday, Hindu BusinessLine, Reuters
