Donald Trump praises Indian PM Narendra Modi in US‑India talks

U.S. President Donald Trump described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "one of the great leaders of the world" and praised his long tenure, leadership style and India's economic progress. Trump added that the United States now trades with India in a "transparent" manner.

During the same bilateral discussion, Modi raised the issue of commercial seafarers’ safety, urging that any peace agreement with Iran include protections for merchant‑marine crews. Indian MP Shashi Tharoor later responded, stressing that civilian sailors must not be targeted in conflicts and that India will continue to advocate for free navigation of global trade routes.

The exchange comes amid heightened Indian public anger over the death of three Indian crew members in a U.S. military strike on a commercial vessel, a context that amplified calls for stronger maritime safety assurances.