External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar underscored the deep and robust relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that "only nationalists respect each other like this." Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival on Saturday, Jaishankar reflected on how both leaders share a strong sense of nationalism, which has fostered mutual admiration and strengthened diplomatic ties between India and the United States.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very strong nationalist, and he (Donald Trump) sort of radiates that. Now, Trump is an American nationalist, and I think, in many ways, nationalists kind of respect each other," Jaishankar remarked. He further noted that this ideological alignment has played a crucial role in shaping their dynamic, allowing them to connect on a personal level beyond just formal diplomacy.
Reflecting on their most recent meeting at the White House, Jaishankar stated that it was highly productive and successful. Drawing from his vast diplomatic experience, he said, "I've been doing this all my life, so I have some reference points and some experience as a comparative assessment. I would say with all objectivity, I thought it went very well and for a variety of reasons."
The minister elaborated on the positive chemistry between Modi and Trump, pointing out that while the former U.S. president has had strained relationships with several global leaders, his camaraderie with Modi has remained consistently strong. "Trump being somewhat unusual, there are a lot of other leaders in the world with whom he has not necessarily a positive history, and in the case of Modi ji, it's not the case," Jaishankar noted, suggesting that their personal bond has contributed to a strong bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
During their White House meeting earlier this month, Modi and Trump shared warm greetings, including multiple embraces, while reaffirming their mutual admiration. Their bilateral discussions covered a wide range of key topics, including trade agreements, counterterrorism cooperation, strengthening defense ties, and advancing strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions also touched upon India’s energy security and efforts to enhance collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing.
At a press briefing following the meeting, Trump, who has frequently praised Modi's leadership, once again lauded his negotiation skills and political acumen. "He's a great leader and a tough negotiator," Trump remarked, highlighting India's increasing prominence on the global stage under Modi’s leadership. He also reiterated his admiration for India’s economic growth, describing it as one of the most significant global success stories of the decade.
Jaishankar’s comments come at a time when India continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships with major global powers, positioning itself as a key player in international affairs. Over the years, the Modi-Trump relationship has been marked by high-profile summits, such as Howdy Modi! in Houston and Namaste Trump in Ahmedabad, which drew massive crowds and showcased the strength of India-U.S. relations. The two leaders also collaborated on key defense agreements, enhanced intelligence sharing, and deepened trade ties, laying the foundation for an enduring bilateral partnership.
Beyond the personal rapport between Modi and Trump, Jaishankar emphasized the broader impact of their relationship on India-U.S. ties, which have continued to evolve under the Biden administration. He reiterated that while individual leaders play a role in diplomacy, institutional relationships between nations are built on shared values, mutual interests, and long-term strategic goals.
With India emerging as a major global power, its relationship with the U.S. remains critical in navigating geopolitical challenges, including the rise of China, security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, and efforts to bolster economic resilience through supply chain diversification. Jaishankar's remarks serve as a reminder of the role strong leadership and diplomatic engagements play in shaping the course of international relations.
