US President Donald Trump says he admires Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and describes him as “a very tough cookie” and a tough negotiator. In remarks reported by multiple outlets, Trump places Modi among the world leaders he admires most, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump attributes his admiration to the personal rapport he says he has with Modi, adding that their relationship remains strong even as trade tensions persist between the United States and other countries.
The comments come after Trump’s participation in a G7 meeting, where he said the India-US relationship is close and referenced Modi’s negotiating skills. Several reports connect Trump’s praise to his broader remarks that a potential trade agreement involving India is moving toward completion. The outlets present the statements as part of Trump’s public characterization of Modi’s leadership style and their ongoing interaction, rather than as an announcement of any specific new policy action.
