Seoul, South Korea: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday lavished praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a luncheon with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business leaders. In his remarks, Trump reiterated his earlier claim that he played a direct role in mediating peace between India and Pakistan following a brief military confrontation earlier this year.
Trump, speaking at the APEC luncheon, described how he used “trade pressure” to help de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. He humorously referred to Prime Minister Modi as “the nicest-looking guy” and “a tough man,” while emphasizing his admiration for both India and Pakistan’s leadership.
“Two nuclear-armed countries were engaged in combat,” Trump recounted. “They said, ‘No, no, no, let us fight.’ They are strong people. Prime Minister Modi – the most attractive man – he’s a killer, a very tough man. But after a little while, they called up and said, ‘We will stop fighting,’” he added, suggesting that his diplomatic intervention had helped bring about a Ceasefire.
Trump Hints at a New US-India Trade Agreement
Continuing his remarks, Trump hinted that a new trade deal between the United States and India was “imminent.” He stated, “I am going to do a trade deal with India,” suggesting that discussions between both nations were progressing well.
Emphasizing his “great relationship” with both New Delhi and Islamabad, Trump said, “I admire and respect Prime Minister Modi, and I am doing a trade deal with India. Similarly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister is a wonderful man, and his Field Marshal is an excellent combatant.”
“Trade Pressure” as a Diplomatic Tool
Trump claimed he used economic leverage to push both sides toward peace, recalling conversations with both leaders. “I told Prime Minister Modi on the phone, ‘We can’t do business with you because of your conflict with Pakistan.’ Then I called Pakistan and said the same thing,” Trump explained.
According to Trump, this strategy encouraged both countries to consider diplomatic dialogue over prolonged military escalation. He portrayed his role as pivotal in preventing what he called a “potentially dangerous conflict between two nuclear-armed nations.”
India Denies Third-Party Mediation Claim
This is not the first time Trump has claimed credit for mediating between India and Pakistan. Earlier this year, he made similar remarks, asserting that he helped broker a ceasefire agreement following border skirmishes in May. However, the Indian government has consistently denied any external mediation, maintaining that all ceasefire understandings were reached bilaterally and without third-party involvement.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly reiterated its stance that India and Pakistan resolve their issues directly, rejecting any suggestion of US or international intervention.
| Event | Date/Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| APEC Business Leaders Luncheon | Seoul, South Korea – October 2025 | Trump praises Modi and reaffirms ceasefire mediation claim. |
| Ceasefire Claim | May 2025 | Trump claims trade pressure helped end India-Pakistan conflict. |
| India’s Response | New Delhi | India denies third-party mediation; reaffirms bilateral resolution stance. |
| Trade Talks | Ongoing | Trump hints at upcoming US-India trade deal. |
Trump’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump has often positioned himself as a peacemaker between India and Pakistan, despite strong Indian objections to external involvement. His remarks in Seoul appeared to reinforce his desire to portray himself as a global negotiator capable of managing high-stakes conflicts through diplomacy and trade influence.
Observers note that Trump’s repeated praise of Prime Minister Modi aligns with his longstanding efforts to strengthen US-India relations, which have become increasingly strategic in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion: Compliments and Controversies
While Trump’s latest comments have once again drawn international attention, they reflect his characteristic mix of humor, self-praise, and geopolitical showmanship. Calling Modi “the most attractive man” and “a killer” may have been tongue-in-cheek, but his statements have reignited debate over the accuracy of his claims regarding the India-Pakistan ceasefire.
Regardless of the controversy, Trump’s remarks underline his continued interest in South Asian geopolitics – and his belief that trade diplomacy remains the ultimate peacekeeping tool between nations.
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