Republican nominee Donald Trump has announced plans to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s upcoming visit to the US next week, Al Jazeera reports.
Speaking at a campaign event in Flint, Michigan, Trump described Modi as “fantastic.” However, he also criticized India’s trade practices, calling the country “a very big abuser.”
“He’s fantastic. I mean, fantastic, man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic,” Trump told supporters, adding that “India is very tough, Brazil is very tough. I can tell you, every one.”
While Trump did not provide further details about the meeting, Modi is scheduled to arrive in the US on Saturday to attend a Quad group (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) leaders summit hosted by President Joe Biden. He is also set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York and engage with members of the Indian-American community.
Trump and Modi are known to have enjoyed a close relationship during Trump’s first term. During Trump’s 2020 visit to India, Modi orchestrated a massive rally at the world’s largest cricket stadium to welcome the then-US President.
