Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met face-to-face for the first time in 16 months at the G7 summit in France, but the trademark embrace was conspicuously absent.

The G7 summit in the French spa town of Évian-les-Bains unfolded against the backdrop of the US-Iran war, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi using the global stage to deliver a pointed message on maritime safety that appeared directed at Washington.

As leaders of the world's largest democracies gathered at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, the India-US relationship encountered turbulence over recent weeks, marked by differences on the Operation Sindoor ceasefire and American tariff measures targeting Indian exports.

A Handshake, Not a Hug

The meeting between Modi and Trump marked their first in-person encounter since the Indian leader visited Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump returned to the White House for a second term.

When the two leaders finally came face-to-face, the customary bear hug that had become a hallmark of their personal rapport was replaced by a formal handshake. Trump was seen patting Modi lightly on the arm, a gesture that acknowledged their history while stopping short of the warmth displayed during previous meetings.

The more significant development, however, came during Modi's address to the gathering.

Modi's Unspoken Rebuke

Speaking at a session with Trump seated directly beside him, Modi welcomed progress toward peace efforts in West Asia but made clear that the conflict had come at a cost to India.

"Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives. The safety of seafarers, who connect all countries through global maritime trade, is our responsibility," Modi said, according to officials present.

Though he did not name the United States, the timing lent weight to his words. Three Indian nationals died when US forces attacked the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz last week.

"We must ensure that sea lanes remain safe, and seafarers can carry out their work without fear," Modi added, stating that India was "fully prepared to work with all partners on these issues."

 The Trust Deficit

The Prime Minister's remarks extended beyond maritime safety to address what he termed a growing crisis in international relations.

"Today, the most important strategic asset is not minerals, technology, or markets, but mutual trust," Modi told the gathering. "The world is not suffering from a deficit of resources; it is suffering from a deficit of trust."

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, Modi referenced former US President Ronald Reagan's "trust, but verify" doctrine, calling on the international community to build "a credible rules-based order suited to a new era."

A PTI report confirmed the two leaders are scheduled to meet again on Thursday on the summit's sidelines.

Trump's Frustration with Israel

The Iran conflict dominated discussions, with Trump announcing both sides had agreed to a deal to end fighting.

The American leader expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other president was willing to do what I did," Trump said, according to officials.

Despite describing his relationship with Netanyahu as "great," Trump was blunt in his assessment. "I've had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon," he said, adding he was "not happy with the way Israel has handled itself with Lebanon and with Hezbollah."

The US president argued the conflict had dragged on too long and risked undermining the recently announced agreement with Iran.

Europe's Diplomatic Overture

Trump's contentious relationship with European allies appeared to soften as the summit began, with leaders making concerted efforts to repair ties strained by the Iran war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented Trump with a football jersey bearing the number 47. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the US leader on the Iran framework, suggesting it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and drive down oil prices.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who had earlier engaged in a war of words with Trump, invited him to dinner at Versailles on Wednesday to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

But tensions persisted beneath the surface. Trump did not hold a one-on-one meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, prompting Starmer to insist he had not been snubbed.

The Lighter Moments

Amid the serious discussions, the summit provided its share of human moments.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed she had not smoked a cigarette "since May 1," drawing applause from leaders around the table. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed admiration for Cape Verde's surprising 0-0 draw against Spain.

Macron presented each leader with personalised bicycles to promote next year's Cycling World Championships in the French Alps. Modi and Meloni shared a warm greeting, with the Italian leader joking, "Yes, we are the most famous on Instagram."