Modi Tougher Negotiator...Not Even A Contest: Trump
By Gajanan Khergamker
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, never one to shy away from bold declarations, has made a striking admission about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiation skills. In his characteristic style, Trump acknowledged that Modi is a "much tougher negotiator" than himself, going so far as to say, "There is not even a contest."
The statement, coming from a leader who prided himself on being the ultimate dealmaker, is a testament to Modi’s growing stature in global diplomacy and his ability to secure India’s interests even in the most high-stakes negotiations.
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| Modi, known for his calculated and measured approach, held his ground, ensuring that India’s economic and strategic interests were never compromised |
Trump and Modi have had a unique rapport, shaped by their shared ability to command a crowd and cultivate strong nationalist identities. However, their negotiations—whether on trade, defense, or strategic cooperation—were far from simple. Trump, with his ‘America First’ policy, was known for pushing hard in economic discussions, often imposing tariffs and demanding better trade terms for the U.S. But Modi, known for his calculated and measured approach, held his ground, ensuring that India’s economic and strategic interests were never compromised.
The trade negotiations between the two nations were intense, with India having to navigate Trump’s tough stance while simultaneously securing key concessions that benefitted Indian exporters.
Beyond trade, Modi’s ability to strike favorable defense and energy deals with the U.S. was another demonstration of his diplomatic dexterity. Under his leadership, India secured high-value defense purchases, bolstering its military capabilities while deepening ties with Washington.
At the same time, his government successfully expanded energy cooperation, reducing India’s reliance on traditional oil suppliers by diversifying imports through U.S. partnerships. Despite Trump's unpredictability in global relations, Modi managed to maintain a working relationship with him that was both respectful and advantageous for India.
Trump’s remark, while a personal acknowledgment, is also reflective of a broader geopolitical shift. India, under Modi’s leadership, has steadily positioned itself as a key player in global decision-making, leveraging its economic and strategic strengths to gain prominence in forums like the G20, BRICS, and QUAD.
The West taking note, and Trump's statement underlines Modi’s ability to navigate power dynamics on the world stage.
As the U.S. heads into its 2024 elections, Trump’s words could also have a political subtext. The Indian-American community, increasingly influential in U.S. politics, has watched Modi’s leadership with keen interest. By openly admiring Modi’s negotiation skills, Trump might be signaling his outreach to this demographic, reinforcing his past attempts to align with Modi’s brand of leadership.
Whether strategic or sincere, the remark further cements Modi’s reputation as a leader who doesn’t just participate in global negotiations but often walks away with the upper hand.
