Trump Says India-U.S. Trade Deal Near, Pledges Support For India

EVIAN, FRANCE – US President Donald Trump on June 17 said the United States was “very close” to reaching a trade agreement with India and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the toughest negotiators, as the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

The meeting was the first in-person interaction between the two leaders since their summit meeting in Washington last February and came amid discussions on a possible trade agreement and ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in the Middle East.

Asked about progress on trade negotiations, Trump expressed confidence that an agreement was nearing completion.

“We’re very close,” Trump said. “He’s a very tough negotiator. He’s one of the toughest, actually.”

Praising Modi’s negotiating style, Trump said the Indian Prime Minister often surprises people who underestimate him.

“People say he’s such a nice man. I said he’s very tough. He’s a tough negotiator,” Trump remarked.

The US President repeatedly highlighted the strength of bilateral ties.

“India can do anything they want with us. We have the best relationship. We cannot be closer than we are. I don’t think we can be any closer, both him and I and our nations,” Trump said.

In one of his strongest public remarks on defense ties with India, Trump said the United States would help India if it came under attack.

“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them,” he said. “If anybody attacks that man, we’re going to be there.”

Trump also said India would continue to play an increasingly important role in global affairs.

“I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he’s the leader, India’s going to play a big role,” he said.

Modi said India-US relations had gained “new momentum” and “new energy” since the leaders’ previous meeting in Washington.

“The last time we met in Washington. After that, there has been a new momentum in our relations. There has been a new energy,” Modi said. “We are moving forward together, and both our teams are trying to achieve the targets we have set.”

Modi also praised Trump’s efforts to restore peace in the Middle East and expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic initiatives would lead to lasting stability in the region.

“A new hope for peace and stability in the region has been rekindled, and I am confident that this will lead to a longstanding peace in the region,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, describing it as vital for the global economy, and highlighted the safety of Indian seafarers working along major maritime trade routes.

“You and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working and performing their duties along global maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Their safety and security are of utmost importance to us.”

Trump also sought to reassure Indians about the future of bilateral ties.

“As long as I’m President, they have a great friend in the White House,” he said.

The United States and India have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years across defense, trade, technology, energy and strategic affairs, and both countries continue to work closely on regional and global challenges. (IANS)