Donald Trump praised Narendra Modi as a 'tough trader' and a 'killer' as they held their first bilateral meeting in over a year on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.
PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump at the bilateral meeting
New Delhi, UPDATED: Jun 17, 2026 21:52 IST
There may have been frostiness in ties between India and the US, but the camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump was on show during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. The same Trump who labelled India a "hellhole" and a "dead economy" turned the meeting, their first in over a year, into a praise-a-thon for PM Modi, describing him as a "tough trader" but as nice as an "angel".
The joint press conference after the bilateral seemed like a hark back to the 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' days as the US President showered praise on his "friend" PM Modi. In fact, Trump went as far as to say that "if anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there", in what seemed to be a subtle message to Pakistan.
#WATCH | Evian, France: Speaking about PM Modi, the Russia-Ukraine war, US President Donald Trump says, "...He's a very tough negotiator... You look at this man. I'll give you a lesson. He's the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice, like an angel. But actually, he's as pic.twitter.com/KoggIcAUa4 — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
PM MODI IS A KILLER: TRUMP
The eccentric US President said both sides were close to the trade deal, which has been hanging fire since February when Trump and Modi announced a framework agreement.
The issue seems to have prominently figured during their talks as Trump called the Prime Minister a tough "trader" and "negotiator" -- a phrase he has often used in the past to highlight Modi's persona of a strong operator behind the scenes.
During the interaction, Trump stressed that PM Modi's appearance often catches people off guard.
"He's a very tough negotiator... You look at this man. I'll give you a lesson. He's the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice, like an angel," Trump said.
The US President, however, was quick to add that Modi's gentle appearance should not be mistaken for weakness.
"Actually, he's as tough as he is a killer... But he looks so good. So he gets you by surprise. But there are a few people like this. People say he's such a nice man. I said he's very tough. He's a tough trader," Trump said, drawing chuckles from PM Modi.
US President said both sides were close to the trade deal (Reuters)
'WILL BE THERE IF INDIA IS ATTACKED'
The biggest takeaway, however, was Trump's assertion that Washington would always be there for New Delhi even though the countries do not have a formal defence agreement.
"We don't have a formal (defence) contract... But if they (India) were attacked, we would be there to help," Trump said.
In a light-hearted manner, he further added, "Now, if there is a new leader, I am not sure about it. But if they are attacked and he (Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help."
On his part, PM Modi raised the issue of the safety of Indian seafarers, days after three Indian sailors died in the Gulf of Oman in US strikes.
Last week, US forces, carrying out a naval blockade, struck three commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman, killing three Indian seafarers.
It came as a fresh blow to hopes of recalibrating ties amid strain over tariffs and immigration policies, especially over the H-1B visa, that have unfairly affected Indian students and workers in the US.
The Prime Minister underlined that "lakhs of Indians" were working as seafarers and stressed that their safety remained a key priority amid the turmoil in the Middle East.
Trump offered his condolences, saying both countries were working towards it. "It is a rough profession. We are working together on it," he said.
The US President also dismissed speculation of any bad blood between the two. "We cannot be closer than we are - both he and I, and our nations. But it really starts with the two of us; we cannot be closer," Trump said.
- Ends
Published By:
Shipra Parashar
Published On:
Jun 17, 2026 19:47 IST
Read the full article at India Today →📄Source document: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's briefing to reporters
12 reports
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter3 days agoThe Indian government reported significant progress on the India-US interim Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating that the two nations are nearing the conclusion of the pact. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned that U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer will visit India soon to advance negotiations. Additionally, Misri commented on the U.S.-Iran interim peace agreement, expressing cautious optimism while emphasizing that India will not directly involve itself in resolving the Iran-Israel conflict.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates regarding diplomatic and trade developments without overtly favoring any political stance. It reports on progress toward an FTA and mentions diplomatic discussions without using biased language or omitting key perspectives.
Official sources cited
- government Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's briefing to reporters
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter3 days agoIndia and the United States are nearing the conclusion of an interim bilateral trade agreement, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The development follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit in France. Both leaders urged their teams to finalize the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) quickly. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is set to visit India next week to advance negotiations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates regarding diplomatic and trade developments without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both Indian and U.S. officials, providing balanced representation of the situation. There is no evident editorializing or biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
- government U.S. President Donald Trump
The HinduIndependentCenter3 days agoDuring a bilateral meeting at the G7 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the safety of Indian seafarers with U.S. President Donald Trump, referencing the recent deaths of three Indian seafarers in a U.S. military strike near Oman. Modi emphasized the importance of ensuring their safety and expressed confidence that the issue would be prioritized. He also praised Trump's efforts toward regional peace and highlighted the significance of maintaining an open Strait of Hormuz for global trade.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a diplomatic discussion between two heads of state regarding the safety of seafarers and regional stability. There is no evident framing bias, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The content remains factual and neutral in tone.
Official sources cited
- press release U.S. President Donald Trump meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit, on June 17, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France.
The Indian ExpressIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article discusses discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, covering topics such as trade and sailor safety.
Bias read (Center): The article appears to present a neutral summary of discussions between two world leaders without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not emphasize any particular viewpoint or omit relevant context.
India TodayIndependentRight4 days agoDuring their first bilateral meeting in over a year on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, US President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'tough trader' and a 'killer.' Despite previous tensions between India and the US, Trump expressed admiration for Modi, calling him 'nice as an angel' and stating that if anyone attacked Modi, the US would support him. The meeting was described as showing strong camaraderie between the two leaders.
Bias read (Right): The article uses highly complimentary and emotionally charged language such as 'killer,' 'tough trader,' and 'most beautiful-looking man' when describing PM Modi, which aligns with a right-leaning framing. Additionally, the emphasis on Trump's praise and the implication of US military support for印度,
NDTVIndependentRight4 days agoAt the G7 Summit, US President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as 'calm, cool and a total killer.' The comment was made as both leaders prepared for discussions on the sidelines of the summit.
Bias read (Right): The article presents a direct quote from Donald Trump, who is known for his right-leaning rhetoric, praising PM Modi with strong, hyperbolic language ('total killer'). This framing emphasizes admiration for a leader associated with right-wing policies, without providing counterpoints or critical nu
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter4 days ago India, EU push for early signing of free trade deal in FranceIndia and the European Union emphasized the importance of accelerating the signing and implementation of a free trade agreement during meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top EU officials at the G7 Summit in Evian, France. The discussions also covered enhancing cooperation in defense, security, and building a resilient multipolar global order. This comes less than five months after the conclusion of FTA negotiations and the finalization of a comprehensive strategic agenda during a recent EU visit to India.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of diplomatic discussions between India and the EU regarding a free trade agreement. It includes direct quotes from both Indian and EU officials without apparent bias or loaded language. There is no indication of favoring one side over the other, and the focus
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter5 days ago First meet in 16 months: Modi and Trump exchange pleasantries at G7 SummitIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump had their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months during the G7 Summit in France. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries and spoke briefly during an outreach session. They last met in Washington in February of the previous year but have spoken on the phone multiple times since then. There was no official statement released immediately after their conversation, and both leaders are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral account of the interaction between Modi and Trump without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on the factual details of their meeting, mentions the lack of official statements, and does not take a stance on the significance of the encounter or the relationship.
Official sources cited
- press release Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi talks to U.S. President Donald Trump before the plenary session at the G7 summit
The HinduIndependentCenter5 days ago PM Modi arrives in France to attend G7 SummitPrime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Evian, France, on June 16, 2026, to attend the G7 Summit. This marks the eighth consecutive year India has been invited to the summit. Modi expressed his commitment to global cooperation on sustainability and prosperity. He traveled from Geneva, where he was greeted by Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Switzerland. Prior to arriving in France, Modi completed a historic visit to Slovakia, where India and Slovakia upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive partnership.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral account of Prime Minister Modi's international engagements without overtly favoring any political perspective. It reports on diplomatic activities, including statements made by Modi, but does not include biased language, selective sourcing, or omissions that would skew
Official sources cited
- press release PM Modi arrives in France to attend G7 Summit
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter7 days ago Will voice aspirations of Global South at G7 summit: PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G7 summit in Evian, France, following visits to Slovakia and meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron. During the summit, Modi plans to highlight India's concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia conflict on the Global South, particularly focusing on the energy crisis and the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about Prime Minister Modi's schedule and intended focus areas during the G7 summit without overtly favoring any political perspective. It does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological slant.
Official sources cited
- government PM Modi's itinerary and statements
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter8 days ago Trump to meet PM Modi during G7 summit in France next week, White House saysPrime Minister Narendra Modi has left for a week-long visit to France and Slovakia, where he will participate in the G7 summit. The White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump will meet with Modi during the summit.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral summary of events without apparent framing or slant. It mentions both Modi's participation in the G7 summit and Trump's planned meeting with him but does not include any evaluative language, biased sourcing, or emphasis that would indicate a particular ideological lean
Official sources cited
- government White House statement
The HinduIndependentCenter12 days ago Modi expected to meet Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in FrancePrime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 summit in Evian, France. This will be their first meeting since February 2025. The discussions are anticipated to focus on bilateral trade agreements and other regional and global issues of mutual interest. Modi's visit to France includes meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, particularly regarding the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information without overtly favoring either Modi or Trump. It reports on scheduled meetings and potential topics of discussion without using biased language or selectively presenting information.
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