PM Modi, Trump to meet in France on G-7 sidelines, confirms White House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump in France where the G7 summit is scheduled next week, the White House said today. The meeting is expected on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported. Trump is likely to discuss plans to demine the Strait of Hormuz with allies during the G7 Summit in France, news agency AP reported, quoting a senior US administration official. Britain and France, who are both members of the G7, have expressed interest in assisting with demining the critical waterway once the conflict is paused.

Trump yesterday announced a "great settlement" had been made that could end the conflict with Iran if the Islamic nation signed it. He added the Strait of Hormuz would officially reopen once the Iran deal was signed, possibly this weekend in Europe, with Vice President JD Vance attending on his behalf. The US president's announcement came hours after he announced to stop planned military action against Iran, despite earlier threats to target Kharg Island and other key Iranian oil facilities. He said the decision was a result of high-level agreements with Iranian leaders and other key nations. The US naval blockade of the strait will remain in place until the deal is finalised.

The conflict has disrupted global shipping routes and tightened supplies through the strait that handles nearly one-fifth of global oil trade. The disruption has pushed crude oil prices higher in international markets. While most economies have quickly passed on rising costs to consumers, India has kept domestic fuel prices stable for an extended period. According to government officials, India remained the only major economy to hold fuel prices steady for the first 76 days of the Hormuz disruption before initiating adjustments.