‘There’s not even a contest’: What Donald Trump said on PM Modi’s negotiation skills

US President Donald Trump on Friday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiation skills, calling him a “much tougher” and “much better” negotiator than himself.

At a joint press conference following their high-level talks at the White House, Trump was asked who was the tougher negotiator between the two leaders.

The US President replied, “He (PM Modi) is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

During his first term, the US President had frequently referred to Modi as a “tough negotiator,” particularly during trade and defence discussions between the two countries.

Bilateral talks focus on trade, defence, and energy

The meeting between the two leaders covered a wide range of issues, including trade, defence cooperation, energy security, and regional stability. Modi and Trump discussed ongoing efforts to resolve trade disputes, with the US seeking greater market access in India and New Delhi pushing for better terms for its exports.

Trump, who has often criticised India’s tariffs on American goods, announced a new reciprocal tariff policy, aimed at matching import duties imposed by trading partners.

Two days back, Trump announced a 25% tariff on global steel and aluminium imports into the US. The move is expected to hit the Indian firms exporting steel and aluminium to the US.

India has already indicated its readiness to adopt a more conciliatory approach on the sensitive issue unlike its hardline approach during Trump's first term.

The leaders also discussed India’s interest in acquiring American defence equipment, including fighter jets. Trump confirmed that discussions were underway about India potentially purchasing F-35 stealth fighters, the US military’s most advanced aircraft.

During this two-day visit to the US, Prime Minister Modi also met key American officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.