Donald Trump, the former President of the United States and a prominent Republican presidential candidate, recently expressed his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an episode of the *Flagrant* podcast. Trump affectionately referred to Modi as his "friend" and the "nicest human being," emphasizing the positive rapport they share.Â
In his remarks, Trump reflected on Modi's impact on India, stating, "Before him being appointed as the Prime Minister, India was very unstable." He drew a vivid comparison, suggesting that Modi, with his outward demeanor, resembles a father figure, adding, "He is the nicest and a total killer," hinting at Modi's strong leadership style.
Trump reminisced about the grand "Howdy, Modi" event held in Houston, Texas, back in September 2019, where PM Modi addressed an audience of approximately 80,000 Indian-Americans at the NRG Stadium. Trump recalled the atmosphere of that day, describing it as "beautiful" and filled with energy. He noted, "We were walking about. Today, maybe I won't be able to do something like that," indicating the extraordinary nature of the event and the bond shared between the two leaders.
In discussing international relations, Trump recounted a specific interaction with Modi regarding tensions involving India and its neighbor. Although he refrained from naming Pakistan directly, he mentioned, "On a couple of occasions, somebody was threatening India, and I told Modi, let me help as I am very good at it." To this, Modi reportedly responded assertively, asserting, "I will handle it and would do anything necessary. We have defeated them for hundreds of years." This exchange underscored Modi's confidence and resolute stance on national security issues.
The relationship between Trump and Modi has always been characterized by mutual respect and camaraderie. PM Modi has previously referred to Trump as a "true friend," reflecting a diplomatic closeness that has been evident throughout their respective tenures. During Trump's presidency, he visited India for the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad, which was monumental in scale, drawing over 100,000 attendees and marking one of the largest rallies ever conducted by a U.S. President outside of the United States.
Recently, Trump reiterated his positive view of Modi, calling him a "fantastic person." He had also indicated plans to meet Modi during his visit for the Quad Summit. However, that particular meeting did not materialize, highlighting the complexities of international engagements amidst a busy diplomatic schedule.
The ongoing interactions and endorsements between these two leaders are pivotal, especially as both countries navigate their respective roles on the global stage. Their friendship may prove significant in shaping future policies and collaborations, particularly in areas such as trade, security, and technology. With elections on the horizon for Trump and ongoing geopolitical developments, the dynamics of this relationship will continue to be closely monitored by analysts and commentators alike.
Â
