Trump backs PM Modi at G7: ‘If anybody attacks this man, I’ll be there for him’

US President Donald Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, describing the Indian leader as a respected global statesman and reaffirming the close ties between Washington and New Delhi.

During the interaction, Trump used a series of personal compliments to highlight his admiration for PM Modi's leadership.

“He is the most beautiful man, like an angel. He is a killer, he is a tough man. He loves Indian people and also loves US people,” Trump said.

The remarks came as the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on trade, defence cooperation, energy security, critical minerals and regional geopolitical developments.

‘If anybody attacks this man, I’ll be there for him’

Trump went a step further in expressing support for PM Modi, suggesting that the strength of India-US ties is closely linked to the Indian Prime Minister's leadership.

“If anybody attacks this man, I am going to be there for him,” Trump said.

He added: “Not sure if someone else is the leader (of India).”

The comments underscored the personal rapport that has defined relations between the two leaders over the years.

Trump highlights India’s global role

The US President also stressed India's growing influence on the world stage, particularly in West Asia.

“I think India plays a big role in everything, including West Asia as long as Modi is PM,” Trump said.

His remarks come at a time when India is playing an increasingly active diplomatic role amid tensions in the Middle East and evolving geopolitical alignments.

Trump also said Washington would come to India's assistance if the country were attacked while PM Modi remained in office.

“I think it is a great relationship. If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” Trump said.

He stated the United States would stand by India under PM Modi's leadership.

“We don't have a contract, but if they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help.”

The US President added: “If there is another leader, I don't know about that, but if they are attacked and he is the leader, we are going to help.”

‘India has a great friend in the White House’

Trump also described himself as a steadfast supporter of India and said New Delhi could count on Washington as long as he remained president.

“As long as I am President, they (India) have a great friend in the White House,” he said.

The remarks came amid ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.

Trump further highlighted the regard PM Modi commands among world leaders.

“Everyone here has tremendous respect for this man,” he said, referring to the Indian Prime Minister.

‘Calm, cool and a total killer’

The latest praise follows comments Trump reportedly made earlier during a working lunch attended by the two leaders.

According to officials present at the interaction, Trump described Modi in striking terms while addressing those gathered.

“Unlike PM Modi, who's calm, cool and a total killer... I am not. Look at him,” Trump reportedly said.

The comments quickly drew attention and reinforced the image of a strong personal relationship between the two leaders.

First face-to-face meeting in more than 16 months

The meeting in Évian marked the first in-person interaction between PM Modi and Trump in over 16 months.

Ahead of the formal talks, the two leaders exchanged greetings and held a brief conversation during a gathering of G7 leaders. The bilateral meeting was closely watched as India and the United States seek to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Officials said discussions covered trade, defence, energy security, critical minerals, visa issues and developments in West Asia.

Trade deal high on agenda

A major focus of the talks was the proposed India-US trade agreement, negotiations for which have accelerated in recent weeks.

Trump expressed optimism about the prospects of concluding a deal.

“We will get to a deal because I like your Prime Minister a lot; he is a good friend of mine, and we get along well. We have a good relationship,” Trump had said earlier this month at the Oval Office.

During the G7 interaction, he reiterated that progress was being made.

“Very close on India trade deal,” Trump said.

The remarks come as officials from both countries work toward an interim agreement aimed at expanding economic cooperation and resolving market-access issues.

Trump’s repeated praise for PM Modi

Trump has repeatedly spoken warmly about PM Modi and his leadership style.

Earlier this month, he congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister, describing him as a strong and effective leader.

During celebrations marking the 250th Independence Day of the United States in New Delhi, Trump joined virtually and praised Modi in glowing terms.

“India can count on me 100 per cent,” Trump said.

“I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi.”

Last year, while speaking at a summit in Egypt following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Trump also highlighted his ties with India.

“India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top,” he said.

PM Modi’s packed diplomatic schedule

Before meeting Trump, PM Modi held a trilateral meeting with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on the sidelines of the summit.

The Prime Minister also met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, information technology and the circular economy.

Sharing details of the meeting on social media, PM Modi said: “The talks with Chancellor Merz were very fruitful. We discussed ways to further cement bilateral cooperation by working together in trade, investments, circular economy, defence, IT and more. We also talked about boosting cultural linkages between our nations.”

‘Trust’ and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

Addressing an outreach session at the G7 Summit, PM Modi emphasised the importance of trust in building resilient global partnerships.

He highlighted India's “humanity-first” approach and pointed to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance and Mission LiFE as examples of India's global engagement.

The Prime Minister said India’s approach to international cooperation remains rooted in the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the belief that the world is one family.