Trump Praises Modi as a ‘Killer’, Hints at Progress on New India-US Trade Deal
Washington is advancing negotiations for a fresh trade agreement with India, as stated by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. This development occurs during active bilateral trade talks, set against the context of significant US tariffs imposed on various Indian products.
Trump made these comments while addressing an audience in South Korea prior to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. “I’m doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship.” The US administration under Trump had earlier levied tariffs reaching up to 50 percent on certain Indian imports in August, citing penalties related to India's continued purchase of oil from Russia. India has repeatedly asserted that its decisions on energy imports are guided by economic considerations and the need to ensure energy security for its citizens, rather than any specific political affiliations.
Trump's complimentary remarks toward Prime Minister Modi represent a departure from his previous statements that tied potential trade benefits to reductions in India's Russian oil acquisitions.
“I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi,” he reiterated in Seoul. “We have a great relationship.” Trump also recounted a tense interaction involving the leaders of India and Pakistan, asserting that his direct involvement averted a possible conflict between the two nations. “These are two nuclear nations… and they were really going at it,” Trump described. “I called Prime Minister Modi and said, ‘we can’t make a trade deal with you… you’re starting a war with Pakistan.’ Then I called Pakistan and said the same thing. They both said, ‘no, you should let us fight.’ But after two days, they called back and said, ‘we understand,’ and they stopped fighting.” He concluded the anecdote with a smile, noting, “Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He’s tough as hell. But after two days, they stopped. Isn’t that amazing?”
Trump made these comments while addressing an audience in South Korea prior to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. “I’m doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship.” The US administration under Trump had earlier levied tariffs reaching up to 50 percent on certain Indian imports in August, citing penalties related to India's continued purchase of oil from Russia. India has repeatedly asserted that its decisions on energy imports are guided by economic considerations and the need to ensure energy security for its citizens, rather than any specific political affiliations.
Trump's complimentary remarks toward Prime Minister Modi represent a departure from his previous statements that tied potential trade benefits to reductions in India's Russian oil acquisitions.
“I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi,” he reiterated in Seoul. “We have a great relationship.” Trump also recounted a tense interaction involving the leaders of India and Pakistan, asserting that his direct involvement averted a possible conflict between the two nations. “These are two nuclear nations… and they were really going at it,” Trump described. “I called Prime Minister Modi and said, ‘we can’t make a trade deal with you… you’re starting a war with Pakistan.’ Then I called Pakistan and said the same thing. They both said, ‘no, you should let us fight.’ But after two days, they called back and said, ‘we understand,’ and they stopped fighting.” He concluded the anecdote with a smile, noting, “Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He’s tough as hell. But after two days, they stopped. Isn’t that amazing?”
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