US President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend for a long time and said in reply to a question, “He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There is not even a contest.” The talks between Modi and Trump were marked by the US President’s generous praise of the Indian leader and his consideration of India’s stance on several issues. The warm chemistry between the two leaders was tangible as Trump said Modi is doing a great job in India. He added, “Everybody talks about him. He’s doing a really fantastic job. He’s a great leader.” During their meeting at the Oval Office, Trump warmly welcomed Modi with a long handshake, and a bear hug and said “We missed you a lot.”

 

He also called Modi “a great friend” and “a terrific man”. President Trump wrote in the book ‘Our Journey Together’, which he presented to Modi, “Mr Prime Minister, You Are Great”. Trump said he was thrilled to welcome “my friend PM Modi”. “We spent a lot of time here, and a lot of time in India. And, he’s a very special man. Prime Minister, it’s a pleasure to extend to you the same hospitality that you showed Melania (Trump) and myself when we travelled to your beautiful country five years ago,” the President said. Modi is among the first few world leaders to visit the US after Trump assumed office on January 20 following his victory in the elections last November.