Trump's tone shift: Calls PM Modi 'nicest looking guy', reveals latest on tariff talks

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has once again heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the APEC CEO Summit in Busan, South Korea, Trump called PM Modi the "Nicest Looking Guy" and added that he resembles the kind of father you would expect from your own father. Trump said that Modi is not only a leader with a charming personality but also a very tough and decisive person.

Trump on Indo-Pak war – “My intervention averted a major conflict”

In his speech, Trump referred to the Indo-Pak war and claimed that his intervention reduced tension between the two nuclear-armed countries. He said, “When the conflict between the two countries escalated, I told Prime Minister Modi and Pakistan's military chief – if you go to war, we will not do any trade.” Trump further said that both the countries initially argued that there is no connection between war and trade, but I explained that 'war between two nuclear powers' would affect the entire world. Trump claimed that “the conflict ended within about 24 hours – it was really amazing.”

"I have great respect and love for Modi"

Trump also said that he is working on a trade deal with India and has great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. "We have a very good relationship," he said. "The Prime Minister of Pakistan is also a good person," he said. Taking a jab at former President Joe Biden, Trump said, "Do you think Biden could do that? I don't."

India's response: Ceasefire was decided at the level of DGMOs

India has already clarified on Trump's claim that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was finalised through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries. India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, in which terrorist hideouts located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were targeted. This operation was carried out in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed.