Saturday, March 29, 2025
Trump Praises ‘Very Good Friend’ Modi from Egypt: “India Is a Great Country”
During the Gaza Peace Conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, U.S. President Donald Trump showered praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — even though Modi was not present at the event.
Speaking while standing behind Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Trump said:
“India is a great country, led by a very good friend of mine who has done an incredible job.”
Trump went on to express optimism that Pakistan and India would “live together very well,” hinting at his continuing interest in fostering regional peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Despite Modi’s absence from the Gaza Peace Conference, Trump’s remarks once again underscored the strong personal rapport between the two leaders.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you are great”: Recently, Trump gifted Modi a signed photograph bearing a handwritten note that read, “Mr. Prime Minister, you are great.”
Congratulatory call: Modi reportedly called Trump to congratulate him on the success of the first phase of the Gaza peace plan and reviewed progress on ongoing trade negotiations.
Support for hostage release: Modi also welcomed the release of Israeli hostages and expressed his support for Trump’s peace efforts in the region.
Trump reiterated his earlier claim that he helped prevent a potential India–Pakistan escalation following the May Pahalgam attack. According to Trump, he used tariff threats as leverage:
“I warned both countries of massive tariffs, and within 24 hours, the situation was resolved.”
However, New Delhi maintains that the decision to implement a ceasefire after Operation Sindoor was a bilateral one, firmly rejecting any suggestion of third-party mediation.
Trump’s comments, delivered on a global stage with Pakistan’s leader in attendance, once again highlight his attempt to position himself as a peacemaker — while reinforcing his personal admiration for Prime Minister Modi and his vision for India as a “great country.”
