Former US President Donald Trump has once again expressed his admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “friend” and the “nicest human being” during an appearance on the Flagrant podcast, hosted by comedians Andrew Schulz and Akaash Singh. This isn’t the first time Trump has heaped praise on the Indian leader, but his recent comments go beyond their political relationship, underscoring what he sees as Modi’s personal qualities and strong leadership of India.
Trump’s fondness for Modi dates back to his presidency, when the two leaders shared several public appearances and diplomatic exchanges that solidified their rapport. Among the most notable events was the 2019 “Howdy, Modi” rally in Houston, Texas, which Trump referenced during the podcast. The event was a significant moment in US-India relations, attracting tens of thousands of Indian-Americans and marking the largest-ever gathering for a foreign leader on American soil. The rally featured both Trump and Modi on stage, addressing the Indian diaspora in a show of unity and friendship.
Speaking about the event, Trump reminisced, “It was me and him, and it was beautiful. There were around 80,000 people, and it felt crazy. We were walking around. Today, maybe I wouldn’t be able to do something like that,” he said, referring to recent threats and assassination attempts against him. For Trump, the Houston rally symbolized not just the strength of his personal bond with Narendra Modi, but also the broader diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Trump’s description of Modi as the “nicest human being” yet a “total killer” raised eyebrows, especially because of the complex persona Trump painted. “On the outside, he looks like he’s your father,” Trump said of Modi’s demeanor. “He is the nicest and a total killer,” he added, presumably referring to Modi’s political acumen and leadership strength.
This characterization fits into Trump’s broader tendency to praise strongman leaders, whom he views as tough negotiators and effective in their respective countries. Narendra Modi, who has been in power since 2014, has brought significant changes to India’s political and economic landscape. Under Modi’s leadership, India has pursued ambitious development projects, enhanced its global presence, and maintained a strong nationalist rhetoric, especially when it comes to Pakistan.
Trump didn’t shy away from discussing regional tensions during the podcast, particularly the strained relationship between India and its nuclear-armed neighbor, Pakistan. He recounted a conversation with Modi about the threats India faces from a “certain country,” which most listeners inferred to be Pakistan. India and Pakistan have had a tense and conflict-ridden relationship since partition in 1947, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir. The two nations have fought several wars and continue to engage in cross-border skirmishes.
“I said, let me help; I am very good with those people,” Trump recounted. He then impersonated Modi’s response, altering his voice to mimic the Indian leader: “I will do it; I will do anything necessary. We have defeated them for hundreds of years,” he said, referring to India’s historical resilience. While Trump didn’t explicitly name Pakistan, his comments were clearly alluding to the long-standing hostilities between the two nations. Trump also appeared to be highlighting Modi’s determination to stand firm against any threats to India’s sovereignty, something that resonates deeply with his domestic supporters.
Trump also touched upon the state of India’s political landscape before Modi’s rise to power in 2014, claiming that the country had been “very unstable” under the Congress Party’s leadership. Modi’s predecessor, Manmohan Singh, led India for a decade, during which the country experienced economic growth but also faced criticism for slow reforms and alleged corruption scandals within the party. Trump’s depiction of Modi as a stabilizing force is consistent with his broader admiration for leaders who project strength and decisiveness.
Since Narendra Modi took office, India has undergone significant economic and political shifts, positioning itself as a key player on the global stage. Under Modi’s leadership, India has strengthened ties with the U.S., pursued military modernization, and been active in multilateral forums such as the Quad, which includes the US, Japan, and Australia. Trump’s admiration for Modi seems to stem from this transformation, as he sees Modi as a leader who has brought stability and strength to India.
In addition to his podcast remarks, Trump hinted at a possible meeting with Modi during a town hall in Flint, Michigan. He suggested that Modi was scheduled to meet him ahead of his visit to the US for the United Nations General Assembly’s ‘Summit of the Future’ and the Quad summit. “He happens to be coming to meet me next week,” Trump said, referring to Modi as a “fantastic man.”
While it is unclear if such a meeting took place, Trump’s comment highlights his continued connection with Modi even after leaving the White House. The former president has remained vocal about his foreign relationships, particularly with leaders whom he views as aligned with his views on nationalism and strength. Modi fits squarely within this framework, as both leaders have championed a brand of populist, nationalist politics that emphasizes sovereignty and strong leadership.
Trump’s admiration for Modi reveals much about his worldview, particularly his appreciation for leaders who project strength and decisiveness. In Modi, Trump sees a friend and ally, but also a leader who has transformed India into a stable and formidable nation. His comments on the Flagrant podcast, while at times playful and irreverent, underscore the deep respect he has for Modi and the significance of their relationship.
As Trump gears up for another run at the White House in 2024, his continued praise for Modi could play well with the Indian-American community, which has grown in political influence in recent years. Moreover, the bond between the two leaders reflects the evolving dynamics of US-India relations, which will likely remain a focal point of both countries’ foreign policies in the years to come.
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