PM Modi One of the Toughest Negotiators in Global Politics': Trump Praises Indian PM at G7 Summit.

US President calls Modi ‘much better negotiator than me’, vows to defend India; Leaders discuss trade deals and strategic ties.

Evian, France, June 17, 2026: US President Donald Trump showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in France, calling him “one of the toughest negotiators in global politics” and “a much better negotiator than me.

Trump on Modi: ‘Not Even a Contest’.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 meeting, Trump said he had a “very good” conversation with PM Modi. He added:  

“He [PM Narendra Modi] is a much tougher negotiator than me and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.”

Trump also said he will be visiting India “sometime in the future” and confirmed that the US and India are working on trade deals.

 Security Assurance: ‘If Anybody Attacks That Man, We’re Going to Be There’*

Addressing the US-India defense relationship, Trump said the United States would defend India.  

 “If they were attacked, we would be there to help them. If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there,” he said, referencing PM Modi. “Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure about it.”

Trade and Tariffs Background.

Trump has previously criticized India’s tariffs as “very unfair and strong” and dubbed India the “tariff king.” At the joint press conference in February 2025, he announced reciprocal tariffs: “Whatever India charges, we charge them.” Despite trade tensions, both leaders agreed to work on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which Trump called “one of the greatest trade routes in all of history”.

CNN’s senior international correspondent Will Ripley called Modi’s handling of Trump a “masterclass” in negotiation, noting Modi turned potential tariff setbacks into deals on trade, energy, and defense.

 G7 Context and Other Engagements.

PM Modi is on a week-long Europe visit and attended the G7 Outreach Session. The summit focuses on AI, trade, critical minerals, immigration, and global security. Modi also met Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, who told him, “You are the best, I am trying to be as you.”

India and the US are currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India last month and extended an invitation for Modi to visit the US.