Trump Praises Modi As "Toughest Negotiator" At G7 Summit 2025

At the G7 summit in Evian, France, US President Donald Trump publicly praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “one of the world’s toughest negotiators,” adding that a bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States was “very close” to finalisation. Speaking after their bilateral meeting on the summit’s sidelines, Trump highlighted Modi’s deceptive softness — calling him an “angel” who is “as tough as they come” — and reaffirmed that India would continue to play a major role on the global stage under Modi’s leadership. Trump also pledged that as long as he was President, India would have “a great friend in the White House.”

Key Highlights

Trump described PM Modi as one of the world’s toughest negotiators.
The US President said India will continue to play a major global role under Modi’s leadership.
Trump indicated that India-US trade negotiations are close to reaching an agreement.
Both leaders reaffirmed strong cooperation across trade, defence, technology and strategic affairs

Evian (France), June 17 On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, US President Donald Trump delivered one of his most glowing tributes to an allied leader, singling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extraordinary praise — both as a negotiator and as a statesman.

Speaking to reporters after their bilateral meeting, Trump wasted no time in setting the tone: “A lot of things are happening between the United States and India,” he said, signalling the depth of ongoing discussions between the two nations.

When asked about the India-US trade deal, Trump was unequivocal. “We’re very close,” he stated, before pivoting to a candid and colourful assessment of Modi’s bargaining style. “He’s a very tough negotiator. He’s one of the toughest, actually.”

Trump then offered a vivid personal portrait of the Indian Prime Minister that drew considerable attention. “You look at this man — he’s the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But actually, he’s a killer. He’s as tough as they come.” The US President explained that Modi’s genteel appearance often leads people to misjudge him. “He gets you by surprise,” Trump said with evident admiration.

Beyond trade, Trump addressed India’s rising geopolitical influence, particularly in West Asia. “I think India plays a big role in everything,” he said. “As long as he’s the leader, India’s going to play a big role.” This remark is significant given ongoing diplomatic shifts across the Middle East, where India has steadily cultivated relationships across traditional divides.

Trump also sought to reassure the Indian public about the durability of bilateral ties, amid some concerns over recent US policy decisions. “As long as I’m President, they have a great friend in the White House,” he said, adding, “India can do anything they want with us. We have the best relationship.”

PM Modi, in his remarks, acknowledged the momentum built since their last meeting in Washington. “We had an extremely productive meeting in Washington last year, and since then we have given new speed and new energy to our relations,” he said.

Both leaders recalled landmark events that have defined their personal chemistry — including the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston and Trump’s historic 2020 visit to India — as symbols of the deepening people-to-people and strategic ties between the two countries. India and the US collaborate across defence, technology, energy, trade, and through the Quad grouping alongside Australia and Japan.

The Trump-Modi meeting at the G7 summit underscored how far India-US relations have travelled in a short time. With a bilateral trade deal reportedly within reach, and Washington publicly endorsing India’s expanding global role, New Delhi’s standing on the world stage appears stronger than ever. Trump’s effusive praise for Modi — calling him both an “angel” and a “killer negotiator” — reflects not just personal warmth but a strategic recognition of India’s indispensability as a partner. For Indian diplomacy, the message from France is clear: the partnership is personal, productive, and built for the long term.