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Trump calls PM Modi a ‘great leader’, among world leaders he most admires
US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great leader" and a "very tough cookie."
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IANS - Sat, 20, Jun 2026
- 04:26 EDT
- 27
PM Modi and U.S. President Trump hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of G7. / File Photo
US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great leader" and a "very tough cookie," placing him among the world leaders he most admires during an interview with Axios focused on leadership, diplomacy and global affairs.
Speaking about leaders he met at the recent G7 Summit, Trump singled out Modi for his political longevity and influence.
Also Read: US senator hopes Modi-Trump talks will strengthen India-US ties
"Modi of India, great guy," Trump said while recalling the gathering of world leaders.
Asked how he defines a great leader, Trump pointed to Modi as an example of political stability in a country that once experienced frequent leadership changes.
"All my life I've watched India, they just kept changing, changing, changing. Somebody would be there for six months and then a year. And then all of a sudden, Prime Minister Modi ends up there. He's been there for more than 12 years, very solid," Trump said.
Trump also described Modi as a leader who combines calmness with political toughness.
"He does it through, like, there's a great calmness and yet he's not a calm person. He's a very tough guy. I know him very well," he said.
When asked which world leaders he most respects for their ability to exercise power and leadership, Trump again cited Modi.
"Well, I think Modi is very good. Yeah," Trump said. "Modi's a great leader."
Trump also referenced India's demographic significance and growing global role.
"He's got 1.5 billion people. India's actually the biggest," he said.
Commenting on India's economic performance, Trump credited Modi's approach to international affairs.
"They've had some very good numbers announced," he said. "He stays out of wars, which is smart."
Offering a more personal assessment, Trump added: "I've seen, you know, I know the real Modi. He's a very tough cookie."
During the wide-ranging interview, Trump also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him "great," and cited both Xi and Modi as examples of leaders who command significant influence in their countries.
The conversation covered topics including the G7 Summit, China, Iran, artificial intelligence and U.S. foreign policy. Trump argued that leaders who rise to the highest offices generally possess exceptional abilities and resilience.
"Look, they're all smart. You can't get to that level without being smart," he said. "To be in these positions, you have to be smart, you have to be tough."
Modi has served as India's prime minister since May 2014 and is among the longest-serving elected leaders of a major democracy. During his tenure, India has become the world's most populous nation and one of the fastest-growing major economies while expanding its diplomatic and strategic engagement globally.
Trump and Modi developed a close working relationship during Trump's first term, highlighted by large public events including the "Howdy, Modi" rally in Houston and the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad. The United States and India have since continued to strengthen cooperation in defense, technology, trade, energy and Indo-Pacific security.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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