Trump mimics Modi when discussing Afghanistan: Washington Post
American President Donald Trump affected an Indian accent and mimiced Indian PM Narendra Modi when discussing Afghanistan in meetings, suggests a Washington Post report published on Sunday. This comes at a time when Trump is already under fire for being racist, courtesy his "shithole countries" comment while mentioning El Salvador, Haiti and other African nations. Would this create a bump in the India-US relationship?
What does the report say?
The report, detailing America's plans to strengthen troops in Afghanistan, claims Trump often mimics Modi during discussions. "The president has been known to affect an Indian accent and imitate Indian PM Narendra Modi, who in an Oval Office meeting last year told him, 'Never has a country given so much away for so little in return' as the United States in Afghanistan," it says.
Both Trump and Modi would be in Davos this week
Though it's not yet clear whether Trump does so playfully or actually mocks the Indian Prime Minister in front of his staff while discussing strategic issues, it might make things uncomfortable between the two who have been working towards strengthening collaboration, especially in areas such as trade and security. Interestingly, both Trump and Modi are attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.
Looking back at the Trump-Modi relationship
The two leaders have so far shared a great rapport, their social media profiles and offices can assure you that. Trump had called Modi a "true friend" in a tweet before the PM's US visit in June last year. Moreover, in his South Asia policy, Trump had put India at the forefront in the rebuilding of Afghanistan, and slammed Pakistan for safeguarding terrorists.
