US President Donald Trump lavished praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a media address in South Korea, calling him the "nicest looking guy" who "looks like he would like to have your father" while dubbing him a "killer" in negotiations. Speaking ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Trump marveled at Modi's duality: "Whoa, is this the same man that I know?" He affirmed their bond, stating, "I'm doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship," signaling imminent finalization of a bilateral pact amid high-stakes Indo-Pacific diplomacy including talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The remarks underscore Trump's admiration for Modi, whom he recently hailed as a "great person" and "great friend" after a White House conversation focused on trade. Aboard Air Force One last week, Trump claimed Modi assured him India would curb Russian oil imports—promptly denied by New Delhi—warning of sustained high tariffs otherwise. Since August, the US has imposed up to 50% duties on Indian goods as leverage over India's discounted Russian crude purchases, which hit record highs despite Western sanctions.
India has staunchly defended its energy strategy, prioritizing affordable supplies for 1.4 billion citizens amid national security imperatives over geopolitical dictates. New Delhi views diversification—including Russian oil—as market-driven resilience, rejecting pressure while boosting domestic refining capacity. The impending trade deal could ease tensions, potentially slashing tariffs on $23 billion in Indian exports like textiles, gems, and pharmaceuticals, fostering balanced growth in a $190 billion bilateral exchange.
Trump's effusive style—blending personal anecdotes with deal-making bravado—highlights the Modi-Trump rapport forged since 2017, from "Howdy Modi" to Houston rallies. As APEC spotlights trade and energy, their pact promises mutual wins: US manufacturing revival via Indian investments and India's access to advanced tech. Yet, underlying frictions over oil and tariffs test this alliance, with Modi's "killer" edge poised to secure India's interests in a multipolar world.