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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are set to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, according to senior White House officials on Saturday. The two leaders are expected to review ongoing trade negotiations, though officials indicated that a final agreement is unlikely at this stage.

 

Senior US officials said the proposed meeting will focus on advancing “technical discussions” related to a potential bilateral trade deal between India and the United States. While both sides have been engaged in intensive negotiations over the past year, several complex issues remain unresolved.

 

“I think that the potential trade deal will come up. We signed a joint framework agreement earlier this year. We've been having quite intensive negotiations with the Indians over the past year,” a senior US official said.

 

The official noted that a US delegation had recently visited India for discussions and further engagement is planned. “I'll personally be traveling to India the following week to see if we can make further progress on the deal,” the official added.

Also read: PM Modi embarks on France, Slovakia visit, G-7 summit core agenda

 

Emphasising structural differences between the two economies, the official said both sides are working through technical hurdles. “The United States and India have never had a trade deal before. Our economies function very differently,” the official said, adding that while progress is being made, convergence will take time.

 

“I don't think we'll close that deal at the G7. I think we have further technical discussions to accomplish, but the leaders will have a good opportunity to touch base and take stock,” the official said.

 

The meeting comes as PM Modi travels to France for the G7 Summit in Nice, where he will also hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and undertake a state visit to Slovakia. Modi is attending the G7 Summit at the invitation of the French President.

 

Officials said the India-US trade dialogue remains active, with both sides exploring ways to expand cooperation in energy, agriculture, technology and strategic sectors.

 

During an earlier announcement, Trump had indicated progress in trade discussions, including tariff adjustments and expanded energy purchases, though officials now say several details are still under negotiation.