By Political Bureau, New Delhi Chronicle
Published: June 18, 2026
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE — In a striking display of personal chemistry and high-stakes diplomacy, US President Donald Trump showered lavish praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting on Wednesday. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the French commune of Evian-les-Bains, Trump described the Indian leader as a “tough trader” and “one of the toughest negotiators” he has ever encountered, while simultaneously underscoring his deep affection for the people of India.
The high-profile meeting, which marked the first formal dialogue between the two leaders in 16 months, signals a massive push toward finalizing a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement.
‘An Angel, But Tough’
Responding to reporters pressing for updates on the timeline of the US-India trade pact, Trump leaned heavily into his trademark rhetorical style to evaluate Modi’s formidable bargaining posture.
“We are very close [to a trade deal],” Trump stated, sitting alongside a smiling Prime Minister Modi. “We’ve been there for a little while, and he’s a very tough negotiator — one of the toughest, actually. He looks like an angel, but actually, he’s as tough as they come. He’s a tough trader.”
Trump went on to emphasize the Indian leader’s deep domestic connection, adding, “He loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA.”
The lighthearted yet sharp characterization drew visible amusement from Modi, who quickly pivoted the conversation toward the deep strategic and economic trust that has historically defined their personal rapport, reminiscing over the historic “Howdy, Modi!” and “Namaste Trump” mega-rallies of past terms. Trump confirmed that he intends to travel to India “sometime in the future” to solidify these ties.
Trade Deal In its Final Stages
According to senior diplomatic sources, Trump’s public declaration that Washington and New Delhi are “very close” is backed by frantic behind-the-scenes activity. The US Trade Representative is slated to arrive in New Delhi in the coming weeks to iron out the final clauses of the comprehensive trade architecture, which seeks to reconcile lingering disputes over market access, agricultural tariffs, and technology transfers.
Beyond commerce, Trump offered an unprecedented rhetorical security guarantee, telling the media that the United States would unconditionally stand by New Delhi if it faced external aggression—attaching a unique personal caveat to the promise.
“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them. If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there,” Trump said, pointing toward Modi. “Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it… but if they’re attacked and he’s the leader, we’re going to be there to help.”
West Asia, Maritime Safety, and the Global Stage
The bilateral talks also veered into intense geopolitical territory, particularly concerning the volatile economic corridors of West Asia. Prime Minister Modi commended President Trump for his recent diplomatic interventions in the Middle East, noting that Washington’s recent agreements have injected “new hope for peace and stability” in the region.
Crucially for New Delhi, Modi raised the urgent issue of maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers navigating the high-risk Strait of Hormuz—a bottleneck vital to global energy security that has witnessed multiple commercial shipping disruptions this month.
“Both of us agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy,” Modi later shared in a post-meeting brief, indicating that maritime freedom of navigation will remain a pillar of the joint US-India strategic roadmap moving forward.
As G7 discussions continue to unfold in France, Trump’s message to the global press corps left little room for ambiguity regarding New Delhi’s rising trajectory: “India plays a big role in everything. As long as he is the leader, India is going to play a big role.”
