Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have instructed officials to accelerate negotiations towards a trade agreement, signalling an effort by both countries to stabilise relations after a period of friction.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit and marked the first substantive meeting between the two leaders in more than a year.

India’s foreign ministry said both sides welcomed progress in talks aimed at reaching a commercially meaningful and mutually beneficial arrangement, with further negotiations expected in the coming weeks.

Trade tensions had intensified after Washington imposed tariffs on Indian products and introduced immigration measures that affected skilled workers.

The leaders also reviewed cooperation in defence, technology and energy under the India-U.S. COMPACT initiative, designed to deepen strategic engagement between the world’s two largest democracies.

Modi praised diplomatic efforts that contributed to reducing tensions in West Asia and emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts said a successful trade agreement could help restore momentum to a relationship that remains central to both countries’ broader strategic objectives.