In a striking remark during his address at the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, United States President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “tough as hell,” acknowledging his strong leadership and decisive stance in dealing with international challenges.
Trump said that while Modi appears to be “the nicest guy,” he is “a killer” and “tough as hell,” recalling a conversation they had during tensions between India and Pakistan.
Trump on India–Pakistan Conflict
Referring to diplomatic exchanges with Modi during the India-Pakistan conflict, Trump remarked,
“After a little while, literally two days, they called up and said ‘We understand’ and stopped fighting.”
He added,
“You think [former US President Joe] Biden would have done that? I don’t think so.”
The comments drew attention for their candid tone, highlighting Trump’s admiration for Modi’s swift crisis management and assertive diplomacy.
“We are going to do a great trade deal with India”
During his address, Trump also emphasized his administration’s plans to strengthen economic ties with India, saying,
“We are going to do a great trade deal with India.”
The statement aligns with his broader goal of building strategic economic alliances across the Indo-Pacific, particularly with nations that are key to global supply chains.
Focus on Indo-Pacific and Manufacturing Growth
Earlier, Trump said that the U.S. success leads to a stronger alliance and a thriving Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the need for cooperation with key Asian partners like India and South Korea.
He also reiterated his intent to make America “the best place on Earth to do business,” promising faster clearances and better investor services.
“When you come into America, you’re going to get service like you’ve never seen before,” Trump said.
He added that the U.S. is rewarding those who build, create, and invest in domestic manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors and shipbuilding.
Trump on Semiconductor and Shipbuilding Expansion
Trump outlined a bullish outlook for U.S. industrial growth, stating that semiconductor manufacturing is quickly coming back to the U.S. and that shipbuilding will experience strong growth.
He added that the U.S. is set to secure a major portion of the global chip industry and maintain a strong partnership with South Korea in technology and defense cooperation.
Conclusion
From praising India’s leadership to pledging a renewed trade partnership, Trump’s remarks underscore his administration’s strategic approach to strengthening the U.S. position in the global economy — with India playing a central role in the Indo-Pacific narrative.
