United States President Donald Trump on Monday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'total killer' during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France. Trump's remarks underscored the warm personal equation between the two leaders, who have often exchanged compliments in public.
Trump's Compliments for Modi
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, 'He is calm, cool, and a total killer. We have a very good relationship.' The US president also noted that Modi is a 'great friend' and that India and the US are working together on several key issues, including trade and defense.
The meeting between the two leaders lasted around 45 minutes, longer than originally scheduled, indicating the depth of discussions. They covered a range of topics, including the situation in Kashmir, trade negotiations, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Kashmir Issue Discussed
According to sources, Trump expressed support for India's position on Kashmir, stating that the issue is bilateral and should be resolved between India and Pakistan. He also appreciated India's efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Modi, on his part, thanked Trump for his support and reiterated India's commitment to resolving all issues through dialogue. The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation.
Trade Talks Progress
On the trade front, both leaders expressed optimism about reaching a comprehensive trade deal soon. Trump said that the US and India are 'close to a very big trade deal' and that negotiations are progressing well.
Modi echoed the sentiment, saying that both countries are working towards a mutually beneficial agreement that would boost economic ties. The proposed deal is expected to address tariff issues and market access for goods and services.
Defense and Security Cooperation
The leaders also reviewed defense cooperation, with Trump praising India's purchase of American defense equipment. They discussed joint military exercises and intelligence sharing to counter common threats.
Modi invited Trump to visit India for a bilateral summit, which Trump accepted, though no dates have been finalized. The visit is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two democracies.
Global Leaders at G7
The G7 Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US. India was invited as a special guest, along with other countries like Australia, Chile, and South Africa.
Modi's presence at the summit highlighted India's growing global role. He participated in sessions on climate change, digital transformation, and gender equality, emphasizing India's contributions and initiatives.
The bilateral meeting between Trump and Modi was one of the most anticipated events of the summit, given the strong personal rapport between the two leaders. Their interaction was marked by warmth and mutual respect, setting a positive tone for future engagements.
As the summit concluded, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes and looked forward to deepening the India-US partnership in the years to come.
