Speaking about bilateral security cooperation during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said the United States would stand by India if it came under attack.
“I think it is a great relationship… We don’t have a contract…but if they were attacked, we’d be there to help them,” he said.
Referring to PM Modi, Trump added that Washington would support India under his leadership, before joking that the situation might be different under a future leader.
“If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there. Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure,” he said. “If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help,” Trump added.
Trump also praised Modi’s role in strengthening economic ties between the two countries, highlighting India’s investments in the United States.
Lauding the scale of Indian business activity in the American market, Trump said, “Prime Minister Modi is building a lot in the United States. He is spending a lot of money in the US.”
#WATCH | Evian, France | On India-US defence relations, US President Donald Trump says, “I think it is a great relationship…If they were attacked, we would be there to help them…If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there…If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is… pic.twitter.com/45pjpLY39e
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
He also underscored his personal rapport with the Indian Prime Minister, saying, “I just want to say he has been my friend for a long time. It’s great to be with you. Thank you very much.”
Also Read: Modi-Trump Summit: From regional security to Strait of Hormuz, here’s what the two leaders discussed
The two leaders last met in person at the White House in February 2025, shortly after Trump’s second inauguration. Relations, however, later came under strain following the US President’s decision to impose tariffs on India and his subsequent claim that he had helped end the India-Pakistan conflict after Operation Sindoor.
Both leaders are in France for the G7 Summit, being held from June 15 to 17.
First Published: Jun 17, 2026 9:24 PM IST
