Trump says US would help India if attacked while PM Modi is leader
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, describing the Indian leader as one of the toughest negotiators in global politics and reaffirming the strength of India-US ties.
Speaking to reporters before the talks, Trump used a series of colourful descriptions for PM Modi, portraying him as a leader whose calm and approachable demeanour often masks his formidable negotiating style.
“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 tough as a killer. He gets you by surprise,” Trump said.
#WATCH | Evian, France: Speaking about PM Modi, 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 tough as he is a killer…… pic.twitter.com/zpo9AfaXGR
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
The US President stressed that while PM Modi is widely perceived as warm and personable, he remains unwavering when it comes to defending India’s interests.
“People say he’s such a nice man. I say he’s very tough. He’s a tough trader. He loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA,” Trump remarked.
Trump also recalled the landmark “Howdy Modi” event held in Houston, describing it as one of the most memorable demonstrations of the close relationship between the two leaders and the growing bonds between India and the United States.
Highlighting the importance of the bilateral partnership, Trump said India enjoys strong support in Washington and emphasised the respect PM Modi commands internationally.
“As long as I am President, India has a great friend in the White House. Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this man,” Trump said.
#WATCH | Evian, France | US President Donald Trump says, “As long as I am President, they (India) have a great friend in the White House…Everyone here loves India and they have tremendous respect for this (PM Narendra Modi) man.”
(Video: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/Bsz8XqEBuh
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
In one of his strongest endorsements of PM Modi, Trump suggested that the United States would stand firmly with India in the event of external aggression.
“If they were attacked, we would be there to help them. If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there. If India is attacked and he is the leader, we are going to be there to help,” he said.
#WATCH | Evian, France | On India-US defence relations, US President Donald Trump says, “I think it is a great relationship…If they were attacked, we would be there to help them…If anybody attacks that man, we are going to be there…If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is… pic.twitter.com/45pjpLY39e
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
The meeting between the two leaders focused on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, energy security, critical minerals and emerging technologies. Both sides also discussed developments in West Asia and the impact of recent tensions on global trade and energy markets.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region and reiterated India’s long-standing position that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Referring to the Strait of Hormuz, PM Modi underlined the importance of safeguarding maritime trade routes and protecting seafarers working across international waters.
“We have always said that freedom of navigation should be ensured. Lakhs of Indian seafarers are on duty in different seas of the world. Their security is equally important,” the Prime Minister said.
#WATCH | Evian, France | PM Modi tells US President Trump, “I commend you for your leadership on the progress in peace efforts in West Asia.”
(Video: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/mFT73UPUWS
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
Trump also acknowledged India’s growing role on the global stage and indicated that New Delhi would continue to be a key player in addressing major international challenges.
“I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he is the leader, India is going to play a big role,” Trump said.
The meeting marked the first face-to-face interaction between Trump and Modi in more than a year and underscored the deepening strategic partnership between the world’s largest and oldest democracies.
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Modi is too smart to fall for the praise heaped on him.