US President Donald Trump commented on the defence relationship between the United States and India and said that even though the countries do not have a formal defence agreement, Washington would be there for New Delhi.
Answering the NDTV question about defence ties, Trump said, “I think it’s a great relationship. I can tell you this: without even having a contract – we don’t have a formal [mutual defence] contract; you have to have the right contract – but if they were attacked, we would be there to help.”
In a light-hearted remark, Trump later said the United States would be there to support India under PM Modi’s leadership and then later said that the situation might be different under a different leader.
NEW: US President Trump to Indian PM Modi:
“Without having a contract — if they were attacked, we would be there to help them.
If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there.
Now, if there’s a new leader, I don’t know about that..” pic.twitter.com/Yb10pl0hqg
— India Observer (@indiaobserver13) June 17, 2026
“Now, if there is a new leader, I am not sure about it. But if they are attacked and he is the leader, we are going to be there to help,” Trump said.
“New Momentum” In India-US Relations
Separately, PM Modi mentioned the “new momentum” in India-US relations.
“The last time we met in Washington. After that, there has been a new momentum in our relations. There has been a new energy. And, in many ways, we are moving forward together. It is a matter of joy for us that we are working together and both our teams are trying to achieve the target we have set. We are moving forward very fast,” said PM Modi.
The meeting in Evian was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since their summit meeting last February. It comes amid discussions on a possible trade agreement and as diplomatic efforts continue to address the crisis in the Middle East.
PM Modi also praised Trump for the progress that has been made in the efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.
