In a significant statement, US President Donald Trump hailed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very smart man" and a "great friend," signaling optimism over ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump acknowledged India’s high tariffs but expressed confidence that a favorable resolution was within reach.
"Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we have always been very good friends," Trump said. "India is one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world... it’s brutal. But they’re very smart. He (Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks, and I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country."
Trump’s remarks follow Modi’s February visit to Washington, marking a key moment in US-India relations just weeks after Trump began his second presidential term. The US president has been vocal about imposing reciprocal tariffs on nations charging high duties on American goods, with new trade measures set to take effect on April 2.
