Donald Trump lauds Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as strong leader

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an Axios interview that he admires Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “very tough cookie” and a “great leader.” Trump highlighted Modi’s more than 12‑year tenure, his ability to keep India out of wars, and the country’s large population, noting that “India is actually the biggest.” He also claimed that trade between the United States and India is now “fair business,” criticizing previous arrangements that he said allowed India to “rip us off.” The remarks came after Trump and Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, and Trump also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping alongside Modi.