Speaking at a luncheon for Asia-Pacific business leaders in South Korea, President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him the “nicest looking guy” but adding that he is “a killer” and “tough as hell.”
In the same address, Trump controversially claimed that he personally intervened to stop a potential war between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan earlier this year.
The Claim of Mediation
Trump recounted his version of events from May, asserting that he used “trade pressure” to force a de-escalation between New Delhi and Islamabad:
“I called Prime Minister Modi and said we can’t make a trade deal with you as you are fighting with Pakistan. Then I called Pakistan and said the same thing… after a little while, they called up and said we would end fighting.”
India has consistently and unequivocally denied any third-party involvement, maintaining that the ceasefire between the two countries was reached bilaterally through direct talks.
Future Trade Deal
Despite the controversy over the ceasefire claim, Trump spoke positively about the bilateral relationship, expressing his “love and great respect” for PM Modi and hinting at an imminent economic agreement:
“I am going to do a trade deal with India,” Trump stated, while also describing his “great relationship” with the leadership of both New Delhi and Islamabad.
Would you prefer a more formal tone, or would you like me to focus on a specific aspect, such as the trade deal or India’s denial of mediation?
