US President Donald Trump has expressed significant praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to him as a “very good friend.” These remarks were made during the Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Trump stated, “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top, and he has done a fantastic job.” His comments came even as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present, with Trump expressing hope for amicable relations between Pakistan and India.
The Trump-Modi Friendship Continues
This public acknowledgment of Prime Minister Modi, despite his non-attendance at the summit, highlights the strong rapport between the two leaders. Their relationship has been marked by various interactions, including social media exchanges, phone calls, and birthday wishes, demonstrating a notable diplomatic chemistry.
Further illustrating this bond, Trump recently sent a signed photograph with a personal message to Prime Minister Modi, presented by the US ambassador-designate. The message read, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.” Both leaders have previously shared phone calls to commemorate each other’s birthdays and to discuss significant global events, such as the Gaza peace plan.
Trump’s Claims on India-Pakistan Conflict Resolution
A significant aspect of Trump’s statements revolves around his claims of having influenced the resolution of the India-Pakistan conflict. He has asserted that his trade policies, specifically the imposition of tariffs, were instrumental in preventing a potential war between the two nuclear-armed nations. Trump mentioned that he had threatened both countries with substantial tariffs, claiming this led to a swift de-escalation within 24 hours.
India, however, has maintained its position that its decisions regarding ceasefire agreements are bilateral matters and have not involved third-party mediation. This stance was reiterated when India responded to Trump’s offers to mediate the Kashmir issue, emphasizing that such matters would be handled solely between India and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Modi’s Stance on Gaza Peace Plan
Prime Minister Modi had previously congratulated President Trump on the successful first phase of his Gaza peace plan. Modi expressed his congratulations via a post on X, noting that they also reviewed trade negotiations and agreed to maintain close communication. Following this, Prime Minister Modi also extended congratulations to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming India’s stance against terrorism in all its forms.
Despite being invited, Prime Minister Modi did not attend the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, instead sending India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, to represent the country. Modi later welcomed the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, acknowledging the peace efforts of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
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