President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press briefing at the G7 Summit, and said a bilateral trade deal is nearly finished.
The meeting signals a potential shift in economic relations between the two nations as they move toward a finalized trade agreement. Strengthening this partnership is a key strategic goal for both administrations in the current geopolitical climate.
Speaking during the summit, which reports place in Evion, France [1], Trump used vivid language to describe the Indian leader. "He's like an angel, but he's as tough as a killer," Trump said [2]. In another instance, the president said Modi was a "tough negotiator and an angel" [3].
The encounter marked the first bilateral talk between the two leaders in 16 months [4]. The meeting was scheduled for 6:15 p.m. IST [5] to discuss ongoing diplomatic and economic ties.
Beyond the personal praise, the discussions focused on the status of commerce between the two countries. Trump said the bilateral trade deal is nearing completion [6]. While some market reports indicated the meeting was intended to take stock of negotiations, the president said the deal is close to being finalized [6].
This meeting follows a period of diplomatic engagement, including a visit by Modi to the White House in February 2025 [7]. The leaders used the G7 sidelines to highlight the stability and strength of the U.S.–India relationship through these high-level talks [8].
“"He's like an angel, but he's as tough as a killer."”
The proximity of a completed trade deal suggests that the U.S. and India are overcoming long-standing tariff and regulatory disputes. By framing Modi as both a friend and a tough negotiator, Trump is signaling a transactional but respectful partnership that prioritizes strategic alignment in Asia and expanded market access for U.S. goods.
