World suffers from shortage of trust: PM Modi to G7 leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined G7 leaders and partner countries—Brazil, Egypt, Kenya, and South Korea—alongside institutions like the World Bank and African Development Bank in a summit hosted by France, focused on rebuilding international solidarity. At the session titled *Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity*, Modi highlighted a global shortage of trust, stating on social media that the world lacks resources but suffers from a trust deficit. He urged nations to shift from donor-recipient dynamics to equal partnerships, particularly for the Global South, while citing India’s initiatives in Africa, including training, water, agriculture, and energy projects. India did not endorse a G7-backed communique on restructuring development finance but supported statements on the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak and a cancer-fighting roadmap. Modi’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, their first since February 2025, was marked by polite handshakes despite strained ties. Relations between the two leaders have deteriorated over issues like the U.S. strike killing three Indian sailors off Oman, Trump’s disputed claim of brokering a ceasefire in India-Pakistan clashes in May 2025, and visa restrictions for skilled Indian professionals. The summit, held in France, addressed broader global challenges, including conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. Modi’s engagement with Trump, including bilateral talks scheduled for Wednesday, underscored lingering diplomatic challenges. Despite efforts to reset relations, underlying tensions—such as trade disputes and perceptions of racism against Indians in the U.S.—remain unresolved. The G7 discussions reflected broader efforts to realign international cooperation amid geopolitical fragmentation.