'Only nationalists respect each other like this’: Jaishankar on Modi-Trump ties
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday underscored the close relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, attributing their mutual respect to their nationalist outlook, media reports said.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a very strong nationalist, and he (Donald Trump) sort of radiates that. Now, Trump is an American nationalist, and I think, in many ways, nationalists kind of respect each other," Jaishankar said at the Delhi University Literature Festival, reported India Today.
Early invitation, strong chemistry
Jaishankar noted that PM Modi was among the first world leaders invited by Trump in his second term, reflecting the strength of their diplomatic ties.
"The Prime Minister was in the US and Washington. He was among the earliest world leaders to be invited by President Trump in his second term to meet with him," he said, according to the report.
Assessing their recent White House meeting, Jaishankar remarked that it was highly successful.
"I've been doing this all my life, so I have some reference points and some experience as a comparative assessment. I would say with all objectivity, I thought it went very well and for a variety of reasons," he added, according to the report.
He also highlighted the "positive chemistry" between the two leaders, noting that while Trump has had strained relations with several world leaders, that was not the case with Modi.
"Trump being somewhat unusual, there are a lot of other leaders in the world with whom he has not necessarily a positive history, and in the case of Modi ji, it's not the case," Jaishankar said, the report said.
Modi-Trump meeting focuses on key issues
During their recent White House meeting, PM Modi and Trump exchanged warm greetings, including embraces, reaffirming their mutual admiration. Their discussions covered key topics such as trade, counterterrorism, and defence cooperation.
At a press briefing after the meeting, Trump, who has often praised Modi’s leadership, commended his negotiation skills and statesmanship.
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