MC EXCLUSIVE How Moneycontrol got the scoop from President Trump at Davos

US President Donald Trump speaks as he leaves after addressing a speech during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos (AFP image)

• Trump addressed US growth and criticized several countries at Davos
• Reporter asked Trump about India-US trade deal; Trump promised a good deal
• Trump praised India's Prime Minister, calling him a fantastic man and friend

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It was a little past 2:30 pm in Davos when it became obvious I wasn’t getting into the room. President Trump had begun his address. The Congress hall was packed to the rafters. So I joined a small crowd of maybe 50-100 people watching him speak on a live screen.

Inside, Trump was doing what Trump does. He opened his speech with a rundown of US growth since his return last year, before turning into attack mode with Denmark, Greenland, Canada, France, and the Fed chairman on the crosshairs. It felt like watching Truth Social in real time. Unfiltered.

By 3:30 pm, it appeared fatigue had set in. Many delegates started yawning, scrolling their phones, walking about, and wondering when the address would end.

I was feeling a little restless, too, and started pacing the room when I noticed a crush of reporters at one corner of the hall.

I hadn’t planned on getting a Trump byte. But I felt I had nothing to lose.

#MCMegaExclusive | 🚨🚨 “Gonna Have a Good Deal”: Trump Tells Moneycontrol's @chandrarsrikant on India-US Trade Talks at Davos

‘I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine… We are going to have a good deal,’ Trump says.#IndiaUS… pic.twitter.com/7kzFZlEyFP — Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) January 21, 2026

So I jostled my way and reached the corner, right by a staircase used for the exit. A couple of Norwegian journalists told me they were waiting at this position because Trump liked to take the grand staircase, pause at the top, and pose briefly for the waiting cameras.

I wasn’t sure. But as time passed, more and more security personnel moved past us. It suddenly began to feel like they might be right.

There were nearly 60-70 reporters around me, but I didn't spot anyone from India. So I decided to take my shot. I knew I may just have two seconds, so I quickly rehearsed my question in my head.

Trump exited through a door and paused at a corner far from ours, taking a few questions. Hopes dipped. Then he stopped again at the centre of the hall for a few more. And finally, he walked towards the staircase.

I raised my voice.

“Mr President. Mr President.”

He turned.

This is Chandra Srikanth from India. Can you give us an update on the India-US trade deal?

He paused. Looked at me. And answered.

" I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He is a fantastic man and a friend. We are going to have a good deal."

I wished I could ask a follow-up. But we had our sound bite. Moment captured. Adrenaline surged.

Sometimes, you really do just have to take your shot.