'Most beautiful-looking man, but tough trader': Trump on Modi
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump lavished praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting at the G7 Summit in Évian, France, on Wednesday. He described PM Modi as the "most beautiful-looking man," like an "angel." "But actually, he's as tough as he is a killer...But he looks so good. So he gets you by surprise....He's a tough trader, and he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA," Trump said.
Trump
Trump on India-US defense relations
Asked about India-US defense relations, Trump said he thinks "it is a great relationship." He said that while the US and India don't have a formal mutual defense contract, "if they were attacked, we would be there to help them...If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there...If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help..."
West Asia
'India has great friend in the White House'
Trump also responded to questions on India's role in West Asia. "I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (PM Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role," he said. He said India has a great friend in the White House. "I don't know where there might have been trouble. I don't think so. I can tell you everyone here they love India. They have tremendous respect for this man."
Continued admiration
Trump's previous praise for PM Modi
Trump's remarks come as a continuation of his previous praise for PM Modi. Earlier this month, he congratulated the Indian leader on being India's longest-serving Prime Minister. He called him a "strong, healthy and wise man" with more success to come in the future. The G7 meeting was their first face-to-face interaction in over 16 months and is expected to cover trade, energy cooperation, and regional security issues.
Upcoming discussions
Focus areas for India-US talks
The meeting between Trump and PM Modi comes at a crucial time for India-US relations. Both countries are working through trade differences and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials expect discussions to focus on a potential trade agreement, energy cooperation, visa issues, and broader geopolitical developments. Following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India last month, officials have renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation and move trade discussions forward.