Modi-Trump G7 exchange draws focus on India’s security posture
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit has sparked debate in India over strategic autonomy, after Trump made a conditional security assurance tied to Modi’s leadership.
According to Kashmir Media Service, at the G7 platform, Trump was quoted saying, “If India is attacked and Modi is the leader, we’ll be there to help. No contract needed but with another leader? I don’t know.”
The remark came as Modi sat beside the US President during summit discussions.
The comment drew criticism from opposition parties in India, who said New Delhi failed to seek accountability from Washington over reports that US military strikes in the Gulf of Oman recently killed three Indian sailors.
Opposition leaders argued that while the government calls protection of Indian citizens a priority, it remained silent on the seafarers’ deaths during the talks.
Analysts said Trump’s remarks highlighted questions about India’s defense posture and reliance on external assurances amid regional tensions with Pakistan and China.
Critics contended the episode showed New Delhi leaning on US backing rather than projecting independent capability. The Modi government has not issued a detailed response to the specific remarks. At the summit, India reiterated its stance on strategic autonomy and cooperation with global partners on security and trade.
