When US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for bilateral talks in France on Wednesday, the Republican was asked a question: “Do you expect India to play any role in West Asia?” Trump’s response was positive and full of praise for Prime Minister Modi.
“Yes, I think India plays a big role in everything. And as long as (Modi) is the leader, India plays a big role,” Trump said, bringing a smile to the face of Prime Minister Modi, who was sitting next to him. The US President also said that everyone in India has “tremendous” respect for Prime Minister Modi. Follow live updates on Trump-Modi meeting here.
Trump also reportedly said that India and the US are working on important trade agreements.
Trump’s comments about India potentially playing a role in mediating the West Asian conflict come at a time when Pakistan is the lead negotiator in the talks between the US and Iran. A few days ago, Pakistan said that the two sides had reached an agreement to end the war. However, Trump said on Wednesday that there is no final agreement but only a memorandum of understanding in preparation.
PM Modi assures safety of sailors
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump came after 16 months, most recently in Washington, D.C. in February 2025. During this meeting, Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of sailor safety and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for operations.
“I think we agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital to the global economy. India has consistently stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and we must work together for that,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Moving further to the issue of seafarers and their safety. “Around the world, hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers work across global maritime trade routes. Their safety is of utmost importance to us,” Prime Minister Modi said.
He also expressed his hope that the safety of sailors would be given the highest priority in negotiations with Iran.
“Beautiful, gentle, like an angel”
President Donald Trump showered words of praise on Modi at the meeting, using phrases like “good looking guy, very nice, like an angel.” Trump also described Modi as a difficult negotiator despite being a nice man.
His comments about Modi’s negotiating skills came months after US tariffs on Indian imports were reduced to 18%. In August last year, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including a punitive 25% tax on purchases of Russian oil. This move led to tense trade relations between the two sides for a period of time.
Trump also said that the US would be readily available to help if India was attacked. Then he and Modi shook hands and laughed, and then the US President said: “If anyone attacks this man (pointing to Modi), we will be there. Now, if there is a new leader, I am not sure.”
