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Trump Calls Modi a ‘Tougher Negotiator,’ Announces Major India-US Agreements

Trump hails Modi as a "tougher negotiator" and announces key India-US agreements on trade, defense, and energy.

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Trump Calls Modi a ‘Tougher Negotiator,’ Announces Major India-US Agreements

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a strong and skilled negotiator. He stated that Modi is “much tougher” and “a much better negotiator” than him. Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday, Trump made it clear that there was “not even a contest” between them in negotiation skills.

India and US to Develop IMEC Trade Route

Meanwhile, Trump announced that India and the US will collaborate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He described it as one of the greatest trade routes in history. According to him, the corridor will connect India to Israel, Italy, and eventually the US. Moreover, it will integrate roads, railways, and undersea cables to strengthen global trade connections.

“We agreed to work together to help build one of the greatest trade routes in all of history. It will run from India to Israel to Italy and onward to the US, connecting our partners, roads, railways and undersea cables, many many undersea cables. It is a big development. It is a lot of money going to be spent and we have already spent some but we are going to be spending a lot more in order to stay advanced and stay the leader,” Trump said. He further emphasized that India-US ties are at their strongest point ever.

Furthermore, IMEC consists of two major corridors. The Eastern Corridor links India to the Gulf region, while the Northern Corridor connects the Gulf to Europe. The project will feature railways, ship-rail transit systems, and road networks. Notably, India, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the European Union, Italy, France, and Germany signed an MoU on IMEC during the 2023 G20 Summit in India.

US to Strengthen Military Cooperation with India

In addition to trade, Trump announced a significant expansion in US military sales to India. As a result, India will eventually receive F-35 Stealth fighter jets. At the same time, he reaffirmed the Quad security partnership, which includes India, Australia, and Japan.

“Starting this year, we will increase military sales to India by many billions of dollars. We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with the F35 Stealth fighters. In 2017, my administration revived and reinvigorated the Quad security partnership… Prime Minister and I reaffirm the strong cooperation among the United States, India, Australia and Japan, and it’s really crucial to maintain peace, prosperity, tranquillity in the Indo-Pacific,” Trump stated.

India and US Expand Energy and Trade Relations

Apart from military ties, Trump also highlighted new energy and trade agreements between the two nations. As a result of these agreements, the US aims to become India’s top supplier of oil and natural gas. Additionally, India is reforming its nuclear laws to welcome advanced US nuclear technology.

“The Prime Minister and I also reached an important agreement on energy that will ensure the US to be the leading supplier of oil and natural gas to India, hopefully, the number one supplier. In the groundbreaking development for the US nuclear industry, India is also reforming laws to welcome US nuclear technology, which is at the highest level in the Indian market,” Trump said.

Overall, these agreements signal a deepening partnership between India and the US across trade, defense, and energy sectors.