Trump Praises Modi as “Tough Negotiator” During G7 Meeting in France

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, marking their first face-to-face interaction in more than 16 months and underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Trump offered strong praise for Modi, describing him as a highly skilled and tough negotiator despite his calm and approachable public image. He remarked that Modi “looks like an angel” but is extremely firm when it comes to negotiations, noting that his gentle demeanor often leads others to underestimate him.

Trump’s comments highlighted what he described as Modi’s consistent focus on national interests and his ability to maintain a strong negotiating position in international discussions. He also referenced their past public appearances, including the high-profile “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, which drew significant attention as a symbol of US–India engagement.

The meeting took place amid broader discussions on trade, security cooperation, and strategic partnerships between Washington and New Delhi. Both sides are currently engaged in efforts to expand collaboration across defense, economic policy, and Indo-Pacific regional stability.

Trump reiterated his view that Modi is a “tough” and “effective” leader, echoing similar remarks he has made in previous interactions. His comments were widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of the personal rapport between the two leaders, which has played a role in shaping diplomatic ties between their countries.

Over the past several years, US–India relations have expanded significantly, with both governments increasing cooperation in areas such as defense technology, counterterrorism, and trade negotiations. However, differences on economic policy and geopolitical alignment have occasionally created friction between the two sides.
 

Despite these challenges, both leaders have consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong strategic partnership. The G7 meeting provided an opportunity to reinforce that relationship at a time when global economic and security dynamics continue to evolve.

Analysts note that personal diplomacy between leaders like Trump and Modi has often helped maintain momentum in bilateral relations, even during periods of policy disagreement. Their latest interaction is seen as part of ongoing efforts to sustain engagement at the highest political level.

As discussions continue on key international issues, both Washington and New Delhi are expected to further pursue cooperation in trade expansion, defense collaboration, and regional security frameworks in the Indo-Pacific region.