Trump 'US will Defend India if Anyone Attacks'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday raised the issue of seafarers' safety with US President Donald Trump, urging that their protection be given the highest priority during the implementation of Washington's peace deal with Iran, even as the two leaders focused on taking steps to repair bilateral ties that witnessed severe strain over the past year.

 The meeting between the two leaders on the margins of the G7 summit in the French commune came amid increasing outrage in India over the killing of three Indian crew members of a merchant ship in American military strikes in the Gulf of Oman.

Trump, describing



New Delhi as a key partner, said the US will defend India if anyone attacks it. The US president, without giving any timeline, said both sides are close to finalising the proposed trade deal. Following the meeting, Modi said he and Trump "reviewed the sustained progress" in bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and people-to-people ties. 

"Conveyed India's appreciation on the progress in the efforts for restoring peace and stability in West Asia. Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. Reiterated the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians, including seafarers," he said.