Trump Lauds Prime Minister Modi’s Toughness, Repeats His Version of India-Pakistan Ceasefire Negotiation

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United States President Donald Trump, on October 29, 2025, praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in unusually intimate language, calling him "the nicest-looking guy … he's a killer … tough as hell,” and repeated his assertion that he personally intervened to negotiate a cease-fire between India and Pakistan earlier this year.

Speaking at a luncheon for business leaders of the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump said he had a “great relationship” with Modi and that he had respect and “love” for him. “Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy … He looks like you’d like to have your father … And he is a killer, he is tough as hell,” Trump said.

Trump Recounts Role in India-Pakistan Ceasefire Mediation


Trump returned to his account of the events in May, when the conflict between India and Pakistan escalated. Trump asserted that at that time he had informed both India and Pakistan: "We can't make a deal with you right now because you're fighting."

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He claimed to have put trade pressure on them, including threatening to impose "250% tariffs" and that in two days both countries "called up and they said we would end fighting.".

He again underscored that "seven planes" had been destroyed in that incident, and that his action "saved millions and millions of lives".

Trump Highlights Trade Pressure on Rivals


Donald Trump framed the incident as proof of his qualifications as a world leader: "How is that? Isn't that amazing? Now you think Biden would have done that? I don't think so…"

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On the trade side, Trump explained that his government is "going to do a trade deal with India" and that negotiations were far along.

He described his tale of ceasefire pressure and trade leverage as an exhibition of his power to connect diplomacy, security, and economic relation-building.

But the government of Modi in New Delhi has been flatly denying repeatedly any United States mediation in the ceasefire with Pakistan. The government of India has asserted that the decision was made bilaterally and that it was the initiative of Pakistan.

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Experts See Diplomatic Signalling Behind Comments


Commentators view Trump's words as part of a larger diplomatic gesture: reinforcing his own reputation as a deal-maker and stabiliser, as well as announcing a more intimate US-India alliance under his command.

His colourful, colloquial terminology referring to an incumbent Indian prime minister as a "killer" and "tough as hell,” bucking traditional diplomatic tone, has already attracted attention in the Indian and international media.

Reaction in India has been divided. While some may welcome praise from a US president for Modi, the sweeping claims of mediation have caused questions among policymakers and commentators regarding sovereignty, historical truth, and diplomatic protocol. Some opposition voices have urged the Indian government to make a stronger denial of the US role.

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Conclusion


Trump's vivid characterisation of Modi: "killer … tough as hell," was filled with respect, but also highlights a collection of narratives: that Trump identifies as a power-broker, that India is key to his vision for US strategy in Asia, and that his approach to diplomacy is unabashedly brash.

Whether the trade agreement he hinted at materialises and whether India takes the implied credit for the ceasefire mediation are open questions.