Evian, France, June 19: US President Donald Trump has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the world’s toughest leaders, praising his negotiating skills and leadership while reaffirming the strength of the India-US partnership.
Trump’s remarks came during a recent bilateral meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, and were echoed in a newly published interview with Axios.
According to excerpts from the interview, Trump identified Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi as two of the world leaders he most admires. He described Xi as “all business” and referred to Modi as “a very tough cookie.”
Speaking about ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States, Trump praised Modi’s negotiating abilities.
“Very close. We’ve been there for a little while. He’s a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest, actually,” Trump said when asked about the progress of trade talks.
The US President said Modi’s calm and friendly public image often masks his strong political instincts and determination.
Trump further highlighted the growing importance of India on the global stage, attributing much of the country’s influence to Modi’s leadership.
When asked whether India could play a role in stabilising West Asia following the recent understanding between the United States and Iran, Trump expressed confidence in India’s role.
“I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he’s the leader, India is going to play a big role,” Trump said.
The US President also underscored the personal relationship he has developed with PM Modi over the years.
“He’s been my friend for a long time now and we’ve always had a great relationship,” Trump remarked at the beginning of the meeting.
Seeking to reassure Indian audiences regarding recent US policy decisions, Trump said India would continue to enjoy strong support from Washington.
“As long as I’m President, they have a great friend in the White House,” he said, adding that there is tremendous respect for India and its leadership within his administration.
Trump also recalled major public events shared by the two leaders, including the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston and his official visit to India during his first presidential term.
On defence cooperation, Trump described India as a close strategic partner and said bilateral relations were stronger than ever.
“I think it’s a great relationship,” Trump said, while stressing the importance of cooperation between the two democracies.
In one of his strongest statements on security ties, Trump said the United States would stand by India if required.
“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” he said.
As the meeting concluded, Trump once again emphasised the close bond between the two countries and their leaders.
“India can do anything they want with us. We have the best relationship. We cannot be closer. Both him and I and our nations, but it really starts with the two of us,” he said.
The remarks are being viewed as a significant endorsement of PM Modi’s leadership and a reflection of the growing strategic, economic and defence partnership between India and the United States.
