Modi-Trump bilateral meet highlights: ‘India has a great friend in the White House,’ says Trump

The US President also acknowledged India's growing economic footprint in the United States and credited PM Modi for strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.

“Prime Minister Modi is building a lot in the United States. He is spending a lot of money in the US,” Trump said.

Trump also described himself as a steadfast supporter of India and said New Delhi could count on Washington during his presidency.

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

The US President further praised India's standing and PM Modi's leadership among global leaders.

“Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this man,” Trump said, pointing to the Prime Minister.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday voiced strong support for India during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

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

“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.”

Trump then made a personal reference to the Indian Prime Minister.

“If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there.”

He 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.”

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Iran is prepared to reach a formal agreement with Washington, saying Tehran wants to return to normalcy and is likely to sign a detailed memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Speaking about ongoing negotiations with Iran, Trump indicated that an announcement on the agreement could come soon.

“You will find it soon. They (Iran) want to get to normal lives,” Trump said.

US President Donald Trump strongly reaffirmed his personal support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, underscoring the close relationship between the two leaders and the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States.

Speaking during the interaction, Trump praised PM Modi's leadership.

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

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

US President Donald Trump expressed sympathy over the deaths of Indian sailors in Oman due to US strike, saying he had been informed about the incident and acknowledging the risks faced by seafarers.

Trump said: “I heard about it. It's a rough profession.”

“We love those people,” he added.

The US President also highlighted India's increasing influence in global affairs, particularly in West Asia.

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

Trump indicated his intention to visit India in the future, underlining the importance he attaches to ties with New Delhi.

“Will go to India sometime in future,” Trump said.

Trump reserved some of his strongest praise for PM Modi's leadership qualities, portraying him as both admired and effective.

“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.

Responding to PM Modi's remarks, Trump pointed to his diplomatic engagements in several global conflicts.

“I ended eight wars,” Trump said while referring to his efforts on various international peace initiatives and discussions involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The US President has repeatedly highlighted his role in conflict-resolution efforts as part of his foreign policy agenda.

US President Donald Trump lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, describing him as a respected global leader.

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

The meeting, which focused on trade, regional security and strategic cooperation, also featured an exchange of compliments between the two leaders.

Prime Minister Modi appreciated Trump's efforts in promoting peace and resolving global conflicts.

“I appreciate your efforts in restoration of peace,” Modi told Trump during the interaction.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the US-India trade deal, said Washington and New Delhi were nearing a breakthrough.

“We’ve been there for a little while and he’s a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest, actually,” Trump said when asked about the status of the talks.

He added: “We are very close” to a trade deal.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is scheduled to visit India on June 22.

Greer will hold a two-day meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on June 23-24.

The talks will focus on issues related to the proposed interim India-US trade agreement.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said discussions are expected to give final shape to the framework deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will hold bilateral talks today.

Discussions are expected to cover a broad range of strategic and economic issues.

Expediting the proposed India-US bilateral trade deal is likely to be a key focus area.

The two leaders are expected to review progress in ongoing trade negotiations.

Defence cooperation and strengthening military ties are expected to feature prominently in the talks.

Energy collaboration, including conventional and clean energy initiatives, is likely to be discussed.

Critical minerals cooperation is expected to be on the agenda amid growing global supply chain concerns.

In their meeting, scheduled at around 2.45 PM (local time, Évian) which would be around 6.15 PM in New Delhi, the two leaders are expected to take stock of the entire gamut of bilateral ties, including the ongoing negotiations for the bilateral trade deal and steps being taken to boost defence cooperation, news agency PTI reported.

The trade pact is expected to be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, as envisaged during PM Modi's visit to Washington DC in February last year.