Trump Calls Modi "Most Beautiful Man" at G7, Pledges Support Amid Seafarer Concerns
Trump Calls Modi "Most Beautiful Man" at G7, Pledges Support Amid Seafarer Concerns
US President Trump showered PM Modi with praise at the G7 summit, calling him "the most beautiful man." Discover what was discussed, from US-India ties to the safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump, the US President, recently made headlines by describing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "the most beautiful man" and an "angel" during their meeting at the G7 summit in France. These flattering remarks, made in Évian-les-Bains, signal a potential warming in US-India relations, even as New Delhi had recently urged Washington to halt strikes on shipping following attacks on Indian-crewed tankers.
The high-profile meeting, their first in-person interaction in over 16 months, occurred on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Both nations are actively working towards finalizing a trade agreement, alongside addressing critical geopolitical challenges and energy security concerns. Trump's effusive compliments went further than mere pleasantries; he openly stated, "If anybody attacks this man, I am going to be there for him," explicitly linking the future of bilateral ties to Modi's leadership. He also described Modi as "a killer" and "a tough man" who loves both Indian and US people.
A significant point of discussion during their talks was the safety of Indian seafarers. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his deep concern regarding the security of "lakhs of Indian seafarers" in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the vital importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for the global economy and expressed hope that any agreement with Iran would prioritize the safety of maritime personnel. This concern comes after three attacks on Indian-crewed tankers, one of which tragically resulted in the death of three sailors.
Interestingly, while President Trump fielded a wide array of questions from reporters on topics ranging from Ukraine to artificial intelligence and domestic US politics, Prime Minister Modi limited his public comments strictly to prepared statements. He did not take any questions from the press, a practice he has maintained since becoming prime minister in 2014, even at solo press conferences in India. This contrast in press engagement was noted by observers. Trump also praised Modi as a "very tough negotiator" when discussing US-India ties.
