‘He’s a fantastic man, a friend’: Trump praises PM Modi, signals ‘good’ India-US trade deal
Washington: US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a close friend and expressing confidence that India and the United States would reach a trade agreement.
Trump made the remarks while delivering his only on-camera soundbite to an Indian journalist at the World Economic Forum in Davos, News18 reported on Thursday.
“I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine,” Trump said.
According to the report, Washington and New Delhi continue high-stakes negotiations to resolve a prolonged trade standoff marked by tariffs, geopolitical tensions and disputes over energy and agriculture.
Asked directly about a potential trade agreement, the US President said, “We are going to have a good deal.”
Earlier this month, Trump had publicly linked India’s trade treatment to its purchases of Russian oil, claiming New Delhi had reduced imports in response to US pressure.
“They wanted to make me happy,” Trump said at the time, adding, “Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy.”
Trump warned that India could face swift trade consequences if it failed to align with Washington’s position on Russian energy. “We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” he said, adding, “And it would be very bad for them.”
New Delhi has denied giving any assurances on curbing Russian oil imports, maintaining that its energy decisions are guided by national interest and price stability.
Trade relations between India and the US remain strained, with the Trump administration imposing tariffs totalling up to 50% on several Indian exports, including penalties linked to India’s continued engagement with Russia and its participation in the BRICS grouping.
India has responded cautiously, introducing retaliatory duties on selected US agricultural imports. Key sticking points remain unresolved as the White House continues to press India to open its agricultural markets further, a sensitive issue for New Delhi, which views farm protections as non-negotiable.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
