"PM Modi A Total Killer, A Tough Trader": Trump At G7 Bilateral

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in France's Evian on the sidelines of the G7 Summit 2026. Assigning adjectives like "a killer and a tough trader" to PM Modi, Trump said he has immense respect for the leader.

Trump called PM Modi the most "beautiful-looking man" but "as tough as a killer".

"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... But he looks so good. So he gets you by surprise. There are few people like this," he said as the two leaders held a bilateral meeting.

"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," he added.

Trump described PM Modi as "nice but tough".

"People say he's such a nice man. I said he's very tough. He's a tough trader, and he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the USA. We had 'Howdy Modi' in Houston. The stadium was full... We'll be going to India sometime in the future," he added.

Also read: "If They Were Attacked, We Would Be There": Trump To NDTV On US-India Defence Ties

If India Attacked, The US Will Help: Donald Trump

Trump, putting on display his bonhomie with the Indian leader, said his country would come to India's help should any country attack it. He, however, put a condition: PM Modi should be the leader.

"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 the leader, we are going to be there to help," he said.

Asked if he expects India to play any role in West Asia, Trump said, "Yes, I do. I think India plays a big role in everything. As long as he (PM Narendra Modi) is the leader, India is going to play a big role."

Trump also called PM Modi a "friend".

"We had some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi of India. We're doing trade deals... A lot of things are happening between the United States and India. The United States is doing the best we've ever done. We have over $19.2 trillion coming in, and we're building factories, we're building everything. The Prime Minister is building a lot in the United States. He's spending a lot of money in the United States, so we appreciate that job. But I just want to say he's been my friend for a long time now, and we've always had a great relationship, and it's great to be with you," he said.

Also read: PM Modi Flags "Safety Of Seafarers" To Trump Days After Indian Sailor Deaths

What PM Modi Said

At the meeting, PM Modi lauded Trump's efforts to restore peace in West Asia. He also mentioned the "new momentum" in the India-US relations.

"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. You and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. India has consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, and we should work together with particular emphasis on this issue," he said.