US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described United States–India relations as “stronger than ever” and said a trade agreement with New Delhi was “very close”, while also assuring that Washington would stand by India if it came under attack, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump repeatedly praised bilateral ties and lauded the Indian leadership. “We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi, India,” he said, adding that “a lot of things are happening between the United States and India.”
Trump said negotiations on a trade deal were progressing steadily and suggested that both sides were close to a breakthrough. “We’re very close,” he said. “PM Modi is a very tough negotiator. He is one of the toughest, actually,” Trump added.
Praising PM Modi’s personality and leadership style, Trump said, “You look at this man. I’ll give you a lesson. He’s the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But actually, he’s a killer. He’s as tough as they come,” he said. He added that PM Modi often surprises people, noting, “People say he’s such a nice man. I said he’s very tough. He’s a tough negotiator.”
Highlighting his personal rapport with the Indian Prime Minister, the US President said, “He loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA,” recalling past interactions between the two leaders, including the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston and his visit to India during his first term. “We had a great time in India,” he said, referring to the large public turnout during those engagements.
Underscoring the depth of the bilateral relationship, Trump said, “India can do anything they want with us. We have the best relationship. We cannot be closer than we are. I don’t think we can be any closer, both him and I, and our nations.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in turn, said ties had gained momentum since their last meeting in Washington. “We had an extremely productive meeting in Washington last year, and since then we have given new speed and new energy to our relations,” he said, adding that the two sides were working together across multiple areas.
PM Modi also praised Trump’s efforts in West Asia, saying they had helped revive hopes for peace and stability in the region. “Thanks to your efforts, Mr. President, a new hope for peace and stability in the region has been rekindled, and I am confident that this will lead to long-standing peace in the region,” he said, while stressing the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade.
Responding to questions on India’s role in West Asia, Trump said, “I do. I think India plays a big role in everything,” adding, “As long as he’s the leader, India’s going to play a big role.” On bilateral ties, he said, “As long as I’m President, they have a great friend in the White House,” noting that there was “tremendous respect” for India.
On defence cooperation, Trump said, “I think it’s a great relationship. If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” adding, “If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there.”
He also expressed support for continued opportunities for skilled Indian professionals in the United States, saying, “Oh yeah, sure. I mean, always,” describing Indian talent as “very capable” and “very talented.”
On India’s energy needs, Trump said Washington would remain a reliable partner, stating, “India can do anything they want with us. We have the best relationship,” and adding, “We cannot be closer than we are.”
The United States and India have steadily expanded cooperation over the past two decades across defence, technology, energy, trade and strategic affairs. Both countries are also key partners in the Quad grouping, along with Australia and Japan, aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
(IANS)
