Sharm el-Sheikh, Oct 14: US President Donald Trump on Monday praised India and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a very good friend” during his speech at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in Egypt, following the signing of the Gaza peace agreement.
“India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top, and he has just done a fantastic job,” Trump said, acknowledging PM Modi’s leadership and India’s role in supporting regional stability.
The remarks follow a recent phone call between the two leaders, in which PM Modi congratulated Trump on the “success of the historic Gaza peace plan” and discussed progress in trade negotiations. PM Modi posted on X, “Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks.”
The engagement comes as the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, concluded his four-day visit to New Delhi. Gor met PM Modi on Saturday, presenting a framed photograph of their White House meeting in February, personally signed by Trump with the note: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great!”
Gor emphasized the importance of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, saying, “The U.S. values its relationship with India and, under the strong leadership of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations.” He also highlighted discussions on defense, trade, technology, and critical minerals during his visit.
PM Modi welcomed Gor, stating, “I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
Sergio Gor was formally nominated as US Ambassador to India on August 22 and confirmed by the US Senate on October 7, marking a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral ties.