New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States as highly successful, highlighting the strong rapport between Modi and US President Donald Trump.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that the chemistry between the two leaders played a significant role in the productive discussions held during the visit.
Jaishankar noted that both Modi and Trump share a strong nationalist outlook, which fosters mutual respect. "Modi is a staunch nationalist, and Trump is an American nationalist. Nationalists tend to recognize and respect each other’s commitment to their countries. Trump acknowledges that Modi is working for India's interests, just as Modi understands Trump’s commitment to America," he explained.
The minister further pointed out that the goal of the meeting was to identify common ground and areas of cooperation that could strengthen both nations. He also observed that while Trump’s interactions with some global leaders had been strained, his relationship with Modi remained positive.
Jaishankar referred to a book on Trump’s first term, in which the US president personally selected photographs, many of which featured India, including the 2020 ‘Namaste Trump’ event in Ahmedabad. This, he said, demonstrated Trump's positive memories of his past engagements with India.
Regarding discussions during Modi’s visit, Jaishankar remarked that the conversations were open, cordial, and conducted with humor. He highlighted that both nations recognize opportunities and challenges in their partnership and are willing to engage constructively.
On a question about Bangladesh, Jaishankar stated that India has sent clear signals urging stability in the region, emphasizing that Bangladesh must decide the nature of its relationship with India. Addressing India's global standing, he remarked, "Our rise does make some people uneasy."
