File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, welcomed the agreement between Iran and the United States to end the conflict in West Asia that has been raging for more than three months, killing and injuring thousands, and disrupting shipping and energy markets.
“I welcome the understanding reached between the United States and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia, which has caused serious economic disruption across the world and led to loss of life in many countries,” Mr. Modi said in a post on social media, from the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. The Prime Minister arrived in the city on Sunday night for a bilateral visit after a day of events and meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nice.
India hoped the deal would restore peace and stability as well, while ensuring the freedom of navigation and commerce, Mr. Modi said, welcoming further deliberations on the remaining issues so a “sustainable final agreement” is reached. The deal is expected to be signed by Iran and the U.S. in Geneva on Friday, but details of the terms remain hazy.
Mr. Modi will travel to Evian-les-Bains in the French Alps on Tuesday morning to participate in sessions with the leaders of the G7 group of wealthy countries.
Defensive mission for Hormuz
Host nation France, along with the U.K., Germany, and Italy welcomed the U.S.-Iran understanding on Monday, congratulating the two countries and others, including mediators Qatar and Pakistan. The countries said the urgent opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway transporting 20% of the world’s oil, was essential. They are willing to conduct a “strictly defensive and independent” mission to “reassure commercial shipping” and to clear mines, the statement said. These countries – all members of the G7 – also said that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
The focus, however, at the G7 will be U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived at the resort on Monday evening. A meeting between Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump is set for 2.45 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The two men go into the meeting with several challenging issues looming before them.
Indians have reacted – on the streets and online – with anger at the death of three Indian sailors killed in U.S. attacks off the coast of Oman last week. There is also the issue of a protracted trade agreement which was announced in February but has still not been formally singed.
Published – June 15, 2026 02:20 pm IST
