Trump Showers Praise on Modi at G7 After Strained Talks Over US Strike and Trade
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — US President Donald Trump sought to show there was no rift with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit on Wednesday, effusively describing Modi as his loyal friend even as their relationship has been tested by trade tensions, oil sanctions, and a recent US strike that killed three Indian sailors.
“We have the best relationship. We cannot be closer than we are,” Trump said, reaching out to clasp Modi’s hand. “Both him and I, and our nations. But it really starts with the two of us.”
The meeting came just a week after three Indian mariners were killed in a US strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman during a blockade targeting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. India’s Foreign Ministry has formally protested the incident.
When it came time for Modi to speak, he raised the strike directly. “Their safety is of utmost importance to us,” he said, noting that hundreds of thousands of Indian nationals work on ships worldwide. He thanked Trump for reaching an agreement to end the war with Iran and expressed confidence that the issue of seafarers would receive “the highest priority” during implementation.
Asked for words of condolence, Trump said, “It’s a tough profession. There’s no question about it. And we work together on it.”
Trump and Modi had a notably warm relationship during Trump’s first term, marked by massive rallies in both countries. But this time, ties have been complicated by trade disputes and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports last year, though an interim trade deal was reached. Trump described Modi as a “scary” trade negotiator: “He’s the most beautiful looking man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But actually, he’s as tough as — he’s a killer.”
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