MC EXCLUSIVE Trump once again hails PM Modi, tells Moneycontrol ‘he’s a fantastic man, a friend’

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi - AFP File Image

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday once again praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “fantastic man” and a close personal friend, while expressing confidence that India and the United States would clinch a trade agreement.

Speaking exclusively to Moneycontrol on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump struck an upbeat note on bilateral ties following his address to global leaders and business executives.

“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 said.

🚨🚨 Moneycontrol Mega Exclusive | "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."

~ US President Donald Trump tells @chandrarsrikant on the sidelines of #Davos2026, expressing optimism over an… pic.twitter.com/TWGkOnhnrA — Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) January 21, 2026

The remarks come at a time when India and the US remain locked in tough negotiations on trade, market access and tariff structures. Yet, even as economic friction has intensified in recent months, Trump has consistently avoided personal criticism of PM Modi. Instead, he has repeatedly singled out the Indian leader for praise, underlining a relationship that Trump has often framed in personal rather than purely institutional terms.

Trump’s admiration for PM Modi has been a recurring theme throughout his presidency. During an earlier interaction with the media, Trump memorably described him as someone who combines warmth with toughness. “PM Modi is the nicest looking guy. He looks like you'd like to have your father (to be like him). And he is a killer, he is tough as hell," Trump said in October last year, highlighting what he saw as Modi’s ability to balance approachability with firm leadership.

Trump has also publicly applauded Modi’s leadership on global issues beyond trade. Addressing an audience during discussions linked to the Gaza peace initiative, Trump praised India and Modi’s role on the world stage, saying India was respected globally and that PM Modi was a leader others listened to.

Notably, even when trade tensions flared, Trump’s criticism remained focused on policy rather than personality. He has often framed disputes with India as hard bargaining between partners, rather than as a breakdown in trust. This stands in contrast to his rhetoric toward several other allies, whom he has frequently criticised in blunt terms.