Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump met and exchanged a handshake on Tuesday during the G7 summit in Evian, France [1, 4].
The meeting marks the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders in about 16 months [1]. This encounter occurs amid ongoing trade tensions and a need for bilateral discussions between the two nations [1, 3].
The interaction took place on the sidelines of the summit, where leaders from the world's largest economies gather to discuss global policy [2, 4]. While previous meetings between the two leaders were often characterized by public displays of affection, this meeting was noted for a formal handshake rather than a hug [1].
Diplomatic sources said the meeting was brief but significant given the timeline since their last encounter [1, 2]. The G7 summit in Evian serves as the primary backdrop for these high-level discussions, providing a neutral ground for the leaders to address pressing diplomatic concerns [4].
Reports said that the leaders have not met in person since 2025 [2]. The gap in direct communication has coincided with a period of fluctuating trade relations and strategic adjustments between Washington and New Delhi [1, 3].
“The leaders exchanged a handshake in Evian, France, marking their first in-person interaction in approximately 16 months.”
The shift from a hug to a formal handshake, combined with a 16-month gap in face-to-face meetings, suggests a more disciplined or cautious diplomatic tone. As the U.S. and India navigate trade tensions, this brief interaction serves as a necessary baseline for bilateral relations before more substantive negotiations occur.
