No Hug This Time: PM Modi’s Handshake With Trump Sparks Buzz as He Raises Death of Indian Seafarers at G7

A brief handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit 2026 has become a major talking point, with many observers viewing it as a subtle diplomatic signal amid growing tensions between India and the United States.

Unlike their previous meetings, which often featured warm embraces and highly public displays of camaraderie, the two leaders exchanged only a handshake before holding a short conversation on the sidelines of the summit in France.

The moment came as India continues to express concern over the deaths of three Indian seafarers who were killed in a recent US military strike on a merchant vessel operating in the Gulf of Oman.

PM Modi Raises Maritime Security Concerns

Addressing leaders during an outreach session titled “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity,” PM Modi highlighted the importance of protecting maritime trade routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers around the world.

Without directly naming the United States, the Prime Minister noted that disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have had serious economic consequences and have also cost Indian lives.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the seafarers who connect all nations through global maritime trade,” Modi said.

He stressed that international shipping lanes must remain secure and that sailors should be able to carry out their duties without fear of conflict or violence.

Indian Seafarers’ Deaths Cast Shadow Over Summit

The issue gained urgency after three Indian crew members were killed during a US military operation targeting merchant vessels accused of violating a blockade on Iranian ports.

According to the US Central Command, action was taken against multiple vessels over several days in June. The incident triggered strong reactions in India, with many calling for accountability and greater protection for civilian maritime workers operating in conflict zones.

PM Modi’s remarks at the summit are being viewed as a direct expression of India’s concern ahead of his scheduled bilateral discussions with President Trump.

India Welcomes Peace Efforts in West Asia

While addressing the gathering, Modi also welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.

He said conflicts in the region had caused significant human suffering and economic damage in several friendly nations.

“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries,” the Prime Minister said.

His remarks reflected India’s long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best path toward resolving international disputes.

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‘Trust Is the Most Valuable Strategic Asset’

A significant part of Modi’s speech focused on rebuilding trust among nations at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

The Prime Minister argued that in today’s interconnected world, trust has become more valuable than natural resources, markets, or even technological superiority.

According to Modi, global prosperity depends on confidence that technology, supply chains, and economic partnerships will be used for collective progress rather than geopolitical pressure.

“The most important strategic asset today is mutual trust,” he said.

He further emphasized that development opportunities should be shared equitably and that international institutions must respond to the aspirations of all nations, not just a select few.

India’s Message on Global Cooperation

PM Modi underlined that challenges such as energy security, food security, healthcare, cybersecurity, and economic stability are interconnected and cannot be addressed by countries acting alone.

He called for stronger international partnerships based on fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.

His comments resonated with the broader theme of the summit, which focused on strengthening cooperation amid growing global instability and economic uncertainty.

India at the G7 Summit

India attended the G7 Summit as a guest nation following an invitation from the host country.

The Group of Seven (G7) includes some of the world’s largest advanced economies — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — along with participation from the European Union.

PM Modi arrived in Evian-les-Bains, France, after concluding a two-day visit to Slovakia and has been holding a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

As diplomatic engagements continue, the handshake between Modi and Trump and India’s firm message on maritime safety have emerged as some of the most discussed moments of the gathering.