NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Monday lauded India and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a very good friend” during his address at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit in Egypt. His comments came shortly after the signing of a landmark peace accord aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
“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, praising Modi’s leadership. Expressing optimism for South Asia’s future, he added, “I think that Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together.”
Trump’s remarks followed a recent phone call with PM Modi, during which the two leaders discussed the Gaza peace plan and bilateral trade progress. Modi had earlier 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.” It was the second such conversation between the leaders in a month.
During his speech, Trump invited Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to share his views, saying, “Do you want to say something? Say what you said to me the other day.” Responding, Sharif praised Trump’s efforts in achieving the peace deal, calling him “a man of peace.”
“This is one of the greatest days in contemporary history,” Sharif said. “Peace has been achieved after untiring efforts led by President Trump, who worked day and night to make this world a place of peace and prosperity.”
The summit, held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, brought together global leaders to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and chart a roadmap for lasting regional stability. Trump emphasized the importance of transforming military victories into enduring peace across the Middle East.
