Modi, in turn, praised Trump’s leadership, calling him synonymous with the “Make America Great Again” movement that he launched during his first presidential campaign in 2015.
“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I congratulate you on your historic victory,” Modi said, referring to Trump’s recent electoral win. “Last year, the Indian people gave me the opportunity to be in power for a third term, which hasn’t happened in 60 years… We will continue to advance the India-US strategic partnership in the same way as we worked in the first term of Donald Trump. (Trump has) made immense contribution to making our relationship more comprehensive, and I am sure (Trump) will work with even more speed in [his] second term.”Reaffirming the importance of bilateral ties, Modi underscored the commitment of both leaders to prioritising their respective national interests. “President Trump keeps national interest supreme, and I also keep national interest first,” he stated.
Trump reciprocated the praise, calling Modi a “great leader.” “Everyone is saying that you’re doing a great job in India,” he said.
Speaking on broader geopolitical matters, Trump asserted that the US-India relationship remains strong and resilient. “India and the US have great unity and friendship, and it will only get closer. We are friends, and it’s going to remain this way. We are in good shape to beat anyone, including China. The US and India will be much stronger. Our progress was disrupted during the Biden administration,” Trump said, without elaborating further.
On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Modi lauded Trump’s outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to facilitate peace. “I am happy that President Trump spoke to President Putin to ensure peace in Ukraine… India is not neutral, and our stand is one to ensure peace. This is not the time for war, and conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield… We support every effort to have peace in Ukraine and I support President Trump’s efforts,” Modi said.
Acknowledging Modi’s remarks, Trump responded, “We have a long way to solving the Russia-Ukraine war… We are going to see if we can end this horrible, vicious war.”
Meanwhile, Trump also signed an executive order imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries that levy duties on US imports, calling it a necessary measure to protect American economic and national security. “We have always been taken advantage of, and we are now going to impose reciprocal tariffs,” he said before his meeting with Modi.
Catch all the updates from PM Modi’s US visit here.
First Published: Feb 14, 2025 3:48 am IS
