Davos 2026: Donald Trump lauds PM Narendra Modi, expresses hope for a 'great' India-US trade deal

Davos (Switzerland): US President Donald Trump is currently in Davos, Switzerland, where he addressed the World Economic Forum. After his address, Trump spoke with the Indian media and discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the India- US trade deal.

What did Donald Trump say about the India- US trade deal?

Speaking to the media about the India-US trade deal, Donald Trump said, "I have great respect for your Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He's a great guy and a friend of mine. We're going to have a great trade deal."

It's worth noting that trade talks between India and the US broke down, after which President Donald Trump increased tariffs on Indian goods by 50 percent in August. This is among the highest tariff rates in the world. This included an additional 25 percent tariff on India for buying oil from Russia.

What is the Indian stance on the India- US trade deal?

India said last week that the two countries have come close to an agreement several times since agreeing to talks in February of last year. Earlier, Sergio Gor, after assuming office as the US Ambassador to India, said that both countries are actively continuing discussions on the trade deal. In fact, the next round of trade talks will be held tomorrow.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the phone. The discussion focused on cooperation in areas such as trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defense.

What is the state of bilateral ties?

India and the US have set a target of doubling bilateral trade to over $500 billion by 2030. As part of efforts to reduce the trade imbalance, India has pledged to increase its purchases of energy and defense equipment from the US. However, trade talks held last year did not result in a comprehensive agreement, leaving several issues still unresolved.

What did Donald Trump say on Greenland issue?

US President Donald Trump made it clear at the World Economic Forum that the United States wants Greenland at all costs. Describing Greenland as a beautiful piece of ice, Trump said the US needs it for global security. In Davos, Trump argued that "no country or group of countries other than the United States is in a position to secure Greenland."

Referring to past US leadership, Trump said, "We were fools to defend Greenland from Germany and then give it back to Denmark."

He called Denmark ungrateful. Trump said that Denmark surrendered to Germany after only six hours of fighting and was unable to defend itself or Greenland.

"So the US was forced to intervene, and we did," he said.

"What a stupid thing we did," he continued. "But we did it, and then we gave it back. And now look how ungrateful they are?"

What message did Donald Trump give to Denmark?

"Every NATO ally has a responsibility to defend its own territory. We are a great power, far greater than people understand. You saw our power just a few days ago in Venezuela," Trump said.

Trump called Denmark "ungrateful" for refusing to relinquish control of Greenland, and claimed the country owed the US a debt of gratitude for defending it during World War II.

"Denmark surrendered to Germany after only six hours of fighting and couldn't defend itself or Greenland. So the U.S. was forced to, and we did," he said, expressing regret over the U.S. decision at the time to allow Denmark to retain Greenland as a territory.