G7 Summit: PM Modi And Trump To Hold High-Stakes Meeting Amid Iran Crisis

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday are likely to discuss the situation in West Asia, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, energy imports from Washington, and the proposed bilateral trade agreement during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

What will be the agenda of the meeting?

It is expected that the two leaders will discuss topics ranging from the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz to the US-Iran deal and trade.

The West Asia crisis will be a key issue on the agenda of the meeting between PM Modi and President Trump. However, the upcoming India-US trade deal will also be discussed. The trade agreement will be a key topic of discussion between the two leaders. Most of the technical and procedural work related to the agreement has already been completed. India trades on more than 12,000 tariff lines, and the proposed trade agreement covers approximately 11,000 tariff lines. Most of the technical aspects related to market access have been agreed upon.

What about the energy security issue?

Energy security will also be a key issue at the meeting. India's energy imports from the United States have increased by approximately 60 per cent over the past year. The current exemption for oil imports from Russia expires on Wednesday, so it's unclear what the next decision will be. However, the sanctions are not imposed on all of Russia, but on specific companies. Several companies are not covered by the sanctions. India is currently purchasing oil from some of these companies.

There is currently ample oil availability in the global market. The Strait of Hormuz is a concern for India, with strategic and economic interests in the region. Several proposals are being discussed for a maritime security mission. However, much will depend on the direction of the Iran-US agreement.

France and Britain have suggested mine-sweeping missions and naval escort missions to secure sea lanes. India has also participated in some meetings on this issue. India believes that while such missions may be necessary, they would not be appropriate during a military conflict. Such missions are only possible if a lasting and credible peace agreement is reached.

Will the leaders discuss the visa issue?

India has its own concerns regarding the H-1B visa issue, but it is important to understand that visa policy is a country's sovereign right. India cannot pressure another country to adopt a specific policy. It must also be acknowledged that the H-1B program has been abused in some cases in the past. Recent changes have most impacted Indian professionals and caused dissatisfaction among them, as they have been the program's largest beneficiaries. India can continue to engage with the US on this issue, but cannot exert pressure beyond limits, as this is a matter of US internal policy.