US President Donald Trump on Friday praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very smart man" and a "great friend," expressing optimism about the ongoing tariff discussions between the two nations. Speaking at the White House, Trump acknowledged their longstanding friendship, saying, "Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we have always been very good friends."
These remarks came despite Trump's earlier criticisms of India's high tariff rates on American goods. The US president has previously described India as one of the highest tariffing nations in the world, calling the tariffs "brutal." However, Trump expressed confidence that the ongoing discussions between the two countries would lead to positive outcomes.
"India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world... it's brutal, it's brutal. They're very smart. He (Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country," Trump remarked.
The US president also took a moment to praise Prime Minister Modi, stating, "I want to say you have a great Prime Minister."
Trump has previously warned that the United States would impose reciprocal tariffs on nations that levy high duties on US goods, with the tariffs set to take effect on April 2. However, his latest comments suggest that there may be a breakthrough in tariff negotiations between India and the United States in the near future.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)