US President Donald Trump heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in France, describing him as a “great man” and asserting that the United States is no longer being “ripped off” by India under a new trade arrangement .
Speaking alongside Mr. Modi on the sidelines of the summit, Trump claimed that while India had previously “taken advantage” of the US through high tariffs, the ongoing trade negotiations have reversed that imbalance . “He’s the most beautiful looking man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But actually, he’s as tough as — he’s a killer,” Trump said, referring to Modi’s negotiating skills .
‘We have the best relationship’
The meeting came just a week after three Indian sailors were killed in a US military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman during an American blockade . The Indian Foreign Ministry had formally protested the incident. However, Trump dismissed any suggestion of trouble between the two countries, repeatedly emphasizing his personal rapport with Modi .
“We have the best relationship. We cannot be closer than we are… But it really starts with the two of us,” Trump said, clasping Modi’s hand .
Modi raises seafarer safety
When it was his turn to speak, Modi directly raised the issue of the Indian sailors, noting that hundreds of thousands of Indian nationals work on ships around the world, including in the Strait of Hormuz . “Their safety is of utmost importance to us,” Modi said, adding that he was confident the issue would receive “highest priority” during the implementation of the US-Iran peace agreement .
Trade deal ‘very close’
Trump confirmed that a new trade deal with India is “very close,” crediting his administration’s policies for ensuring that “India now pays tariffs to the US instead” . His remarks came amid ongoing negotiations and days after his administration had signaled additional tariffs on Indian goods .
Despite the recent tensions over the military strike and trade disputes, both leaders projected a unified front, with Trump assuring that as long as he is president, India has a “great friend in the White House” .
