Donald Trump praises PM Modi at G7 Summit; pledges US help if India is attacked

Paris: During the G7 summit in France, US President Donald Trump once again praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He referred to the personal relationship the two leaders have shared for years. Trump described Modi as "calm," "cool," and a "total killer." He used the term "Total Killer" to describe the Indian Prime Minister's strength and prowess in negotiations, contrasting this with his calm demeanor.

What happened during the Modi-Trump Meeting?

Trump and PM Modi met face-to-face for the first time in over 16 months during the G7 summit. The two leaders exchanged greetings during the encounter. This meeting took place amidst tensions in India-US relations; three Indian sailors had died in a US strike. The US had imposed a 50 percent tariff on India—later reduced after trade deal negotiations began—and tensions also exist regarding H-1B visas and relations with Pakistan.

Donald Trump frequently praises PM Modi and often speaks of their strong relationship. On several occasions, he has highlighted major public events like "Howdy Modi" in Houston and has repeatedly portrayed Prime Minister Modi as a strong leader capable of making tough decisions. As recently as May 25, Trump praised PM Modi and described himself as a fan. He stated that India could place 100 percent trust in him and spoke of strengthening India-US ties.

Did Donald Trump extend White House Invitation for PM Modi?

Following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India last month, both sides are hopeful of revitalizing bilateral relations. However, tensions resurfaced after the deaths of three Indian sailors in attacks on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman last week. During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Rubio extended an invitation from President Trump to visit the White House in the "near future." He had described India as the "cornerstone" of the US policy for the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several other world leaders during the G7 summit.

What did Donald Trump say about PM Modi?

During the lunch, Trump remarked about PM Modi, "I am not calm, composed, and formidable like Prime Minister Narendra Modi... just look at him." Trump described PM Modi as calm, cool, and a "total killer." Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump shortly. This meeting will involve G7 leaders, outreach partners, and key technology officials. The two leaders will discuss various issues, including economic growth, supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), investment partnerships, and challenges related to global security.

"If Modi is the leader and India is attacked, we will be there to help them. If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure," Trump said.

Earlier, on Tuesday, PM Modi and President Trump met during the G7 summit's outreach session in Biarritz, France. They exchanged greetings and shook hands, though the warmth seen in the past was missing. Relations between India and the US have not been the same since Trump began his second term as President; he has frequently made statements critical of India. Actions such as imposing tariffs and making stinging remarks regarding India's stance on certain issues have strained the relationship between the two nations. The G-7 is a group comprising seven of the world's developed economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US, and the UK.

What about attacks on Indian sailors?

On Tuesday, in Trump's presence, PM Modi also referred to attacks on sailors at sea. Raising the issue of sailors' safety, he called for cooperation among nations. At the G-7 meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that all countries must ensure maritime routes remain secure so that sailors can perform their duties without fear. He made these remarks a few days after three Indian sailors were killed in an attack involving the US military in the Gulf of Oman.

Addressing an outreach session at the G7 summit, the Prime Minister stated that India believes lasting solutions to conflicts can only be found through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation. PM Modi noted that disruptions to maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz have harmed the global economy and that several Indian citizens have lost their lives in this conflict.