Trump praises PM Modi ahead of key bilateral talks at G7: ‘Calm, cool and an absolute killer’ | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump once again praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, describing the Indian leader as “calm, cool and a total killer”.
According to officials present during the interaction, Trump made the remark while speaking to those gathered at a working lunch attended by the two leaders.
“Unlike Prime Minister Modi, who is calm, cool and a total killer… I’m not. Look at him,” Trump is said to have said.
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Trump described Prime Minister Modi as “calm, cool and an absolute killer”, emphasizing their strong personal relationship during their interactions.
It was their first face-to-face meeting in more than 16 months, reflecting ongoing negotiations on a variety of critical issues, including trade and regional security.
Trump expressed optimism about a trade deal with India, saying, “We’re going to make a deal because I like your prime minister very much.”
Discussions were expected to cover trade deals, defense cooperation, energy security and regional security, particularly in the Middle East.
Emphasizing the importance of trust in building global partnerships, PM Modi mentioned India’s “humanity first” approach in his meeting at the summit.
The comments underscored the personal rapport that has defined relations between the two leaders over the years, even as India and the United States continue to hold talks on trade and strategic issues.
First personal meeting in 16 months
The Evian meeting marked the first face-to-face interaction between Prime Minister Modi and Trump in over 16 months.
Ahead of formal bilateral discussions, the two leaders exchanged greetings and held a brief conversation at the G7 Leaders’ Meeting. Their official meeting was closely watched amid ongoing talks on a proposed India-US trade deal and regional security concerns.
The talks were expected to cover a wide range of issues, including trade, defense cooperation, energy security, critical minerals, visa issues and developments in West Asia.
A trade deal is on the agenda
Efforts to speed up the proposed bilateral trade deal between New Delhi and Washington were expected to be the focus of the Prime Minister Modi-Trump meeting.
Trade talks have picked up speed in recent weeks, with officials from both sides expressing optimism about reaching an interim deal.
Earlier this month, Trump signaled confidence that the two countries would successfully strike a trade deal.
“We’re going to make a deal because I like your prime minister very much; he’s a good friend of mine and we get along well. We have a good relationship,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The remarks come as India and the United States intensify discussions aimed at expanding economic cooperation and resolving market access issues.
Trump’s repeated praise of PM Modi
Trump has repeatedly spoken warmly of Prime Minister Modi and his leadership style.
Earlier this month, he congratulated Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving prime minister, calling him a strong and effective leader.
During the celebrations to mark the 250th Independence Day of the United States in New Delhi, Trump joined virtually and praised Modi glowingly.
“India can count on me 100 percent,” Trump said.
“I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi.
Last year, when Trump spoke at a summit in Egypt following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, he also highlighted his ties with India.
“India is a great country with my good friend at the top,” he said.
Regional security concerns are in the spotlight
In addition to trade, the leaders were to discuss regional security developments, including tensions in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets.
India’s concerns about the safety of its seafarers in the Persian Gulf region were also likely to be part of the discussions following the recent disruptions related to developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said the leaders could also exchange views on the ongoing Iran-US conflict and its implications for regional stability and international shipping lanes.
Read also | “Yes, we did it,” the Modi-Starmer mic moment suggests a trade deal breakthrough
Prime Minister Modi’s busy diplomatic schedule
Ahead of his meeting with Trump, PM Modi held a trilateral meeting with Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the summit.
The Prime Minister also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defense, information technology and the circular economy.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, PM Modi said, “The talks with Chancellor Merz were very fruitful. We discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation through cooperation in trade, investment, circular economy, defence, IT and others. We also talked about strengthening cultural ties between our nations.”
“Trust” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”
In his speech at the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of trust in building resilient global partnerships.
He highlighted India’s ‘humanity first’ approach and pointed to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuels Alliance and Mission LiFE as examples of India’s global engagement.
The Prime Minister said that India’s approach to international cooperation remains rooted in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the belief that the world is one family.
Read also | Trump declares ‘I’m the boss’ at G7 gatherings behind Ukraine
