'Mr Prime Minister, you are great': Trump calls Modi a 'tough negotiator'
US President Donald Trump who said his country would charge India the same tariffs as India charges it earlier today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a very tough negotiator, much better one than him.
Amid tariff battles, Trump, said about the PM, "He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest."
Trump said PM Modi is doing a "really great job in India and everybody talks about him."
"He's going a really fantastic job. He's a great leader," President Trump said.
On welcoming him at the White House with a hug, Trump said “We missed you a lot” and in a gesture of warmth, Trump pulled a chair for Modi.
President Trump praised PM and wrote in the book “Our Journey Together” which he presented to PM - "Mr. Prime Minister, You Are Great"
Trump added "I am thrilled to welcome my friend PM Modi. He is a special man. PM Modi has been a friend for a long time."
Indian officials later pointed to the bilateral takeaways reflecting Trump’s considerations of India’s interests
"Highlighting the issues concerning India the most, President Trump spoke about radical Islamic terrorism and said they will fight it together," officials said.
In a major development, Trump also announced extradition of Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India.
Citing continued cooperation Trump said, "We are giving a violent man to India and assured that more action will follow. We will work with India on crime," officials said.
On the tariff issue, the Indian side said "Trump displayed a softer side for India and said that it is not India alone that is responsible."
