US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States and India were on the verge of finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, describing negotiations as being “very close” and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the toughest negotiators he has dealt with.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, Trump also highlighted the strong personal ties between the two leaders and welcomed growing Indian investment in the United States.

Trump Says Trade Agreement Nearing Completion

Responding to questions on the status of the proposed India-US trade pact, the US President expressed optimism that the negotiations were approaching their conclusion.

“Very close,” Trump said when asked about the agreement. “We’ve been there for a little while, and he’s (PM Modi) a very tough negotiator. He’s one of the toughest.”

In his opening remarks, Trump pointed to the expanding engagement between the two countries across multiple sectors.

“We had, in particular, some very good conversations with Prime Minister Modi, India. And we’re doing trade deals, we’re doing a lot of things, a lot of things are happening between the United States and India,” he said.

The President also praised the contribution of Indian investments to the US economy.

“Prime Minister is building a lot in the United States. He’s spending a lot of money in the United States. So we appreciate that job,” Trump said.

Trump Highlights Personal Rapport With PM Modi

Emphasising the relationship he has shared with the Indian Prime Minister over the years, Trump described Modi as a longstanding friend.

“He’s been my friend for a long time now, and we’ve always had a great relationship, and it’s great to be with you,” he said.

The US President then praised Modi’s negotiating abilities, saying the Prime Minister’s calm demeanour often masked his toughness at the negotiating table.

“So, you look at this man, I’ll give you a lesson. He’s the most beautiful-looking man; he looks so nice, he’s like an angel. But actually, he’s as tough as–they come. I don’t want to–he’s a killer. He’s as tough as they come,” Trump said.

“But he looks so good, so he gets you by surprise. There are a few people like this. People say he’s such a nice man. I said no, he’s very tough. He’s a tough trader. And he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the US,” he added.

Trump also recalled the “Howdy Modi” event held in Houston during his previous term, highlighting the public outreach and engagement between the two leaders.

First Face-to-Face Meeting in Over 16 Months

The meeting in France marked the first in-person interaction between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump in more than 16 months. Their last face-to-face meeting took place during Modi’s visit to the White House in February 2025.

The talks come at a time when both countries are working to conclude a broader trade agreement after reaching an interim arrangement earlier in February following nearly a year of negotiations.

Officials have indicated that work on the proposed pact is progressing steadily and could be completed in the coming weeks.

The meeting also assumes significance amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints through which a substantial share of global oil and gas supplies passes.

Disruptions in the narrow waterway have heightened concerns over energy markets and international shipping, adding strategic urgency to discussions between the two countries.

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