US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "nicest looking man", describing him as "killer". Trump was speaking in South Korea ahead of the official start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. He also added that the trade deal between India and the US would be finalised soon.
“Prime Minister Modi is the nicest looking guy. He looks like he would like to have your father. He is a killer, his stuff is…no, we will fight… Whoa, is this the same man that I know?” Trump said during a media address.
"I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship," he added.
Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for a series of high-stakes meetings with world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid renewed global attention on trade and energy cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
India-US trade deal in the pipeline
{{/usCountry}}Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday for a series of high-stakes meetings with world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid renewed global attention on trade and energy cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
India-US trade deal in the pipeline
{{/usCountry}}Trump’s latest remarks come amid ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US, against the backdrop of steep import tariffs imposed by Washington. The Trump administration has levied duties of up to 50% on Indian goods, which came into effect in August, as additional penalties over New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia.
India, however, has firmly defended its position, asserting that its energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national security needs, not geopolitical pressure. New Delhi has consistently maintained that securing affordable energy for its citizens remains a strategic and sovereign priority.
Trump's flip-flops on India
Earlier this week, Trump described PM Modi as a “great person” and “a great friend” during a media interaction at the White House.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “Let me also extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. We had a great conversation… he’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years.”
He added that their discussion focused “mostly on the world of trade.”
Last week, aboard Air Force One, Trump also told reporters that PM Modi had assured him India would “not be doing the Russian oil thing.” When New Delhi later denied any such phone call, Trump responded, “If they want to say that, then they'll just continue to pay massive tariffs, and they don't want to do that.”