PM Modi Is Tough Negotiator Than Me: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "tougher and better negotiator" than himself during a joint press conference on Thursday. Their meeting at the White House on February 13 marked their first interaction since Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President on January 20, 2025.

During the meeting, Trump gifted Modi the book Our Journey Together, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations. The discussions focused on trade, energy security, and defense cooperation.

PM Modi said, "The people of America are well aware of President Trump's motto 'MAGA - Make America Great Again.' The people of India too are focusing on heritage and development as they move forward at a fast pace and with a firm resolve towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

In the language of America, it's Make India Great Again - MIGA. When America and India work together, this MAGA plus MIGA becomes a 'mega partnership for prosperity' and it is this mega spirit that gives new scale and scope to our objectives. Today, we have also set a target to increase our bilateral trade to more than double, reaching USD 500 billion by 2030. Our teams will work on finalising very soon a mutually beneficial trade agreement."

PM Modi announced a new target to boost bilateral trade between India and the US to $500 billion by 2030, emphasizing that both nations' teams would work towards finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement. He drew a parallel between Trump's "MAGA - Make America Great Again" and India's vision for "Viksit Bharat 2047," coining the phrase "MIGA - Make India Great Again" to describe the growing partnership.

The two leaders also discussed expanding oil and gas trade to enhance India's energy security. Modi highlighted plans for increased investment in energy infrastructure, deepened cooperation in nuclear energy, and further collaboration on small modular reactors. In defense, India and the US aim to advance joint development, production, and technology transfer.

Expressing gratitude for Trump's warm hospitality, Modi reflected on their past collaborations and reiterated that India-US cooperation could play a pivotal role in shaping a better world.