Everybody loves him, but he is very tough: Donald Trump on PM Modi

Ahmedabad : During his maiden visit to India on Monday, Donald Trump tagged PM Narendra Modi as a tough negotiator as he talked about a "fantastic trade deal" between the two countries.

"PM Modi is a great leader. Everybody loves him, but he's very tough," President Trump quipped as he addressed thousands at a packed cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, sharing the stage with the Prime Minister.

"We are working on a very comprehensive trade deal between India and the United States... one that will benefit both nations.... India is a very large market for US exports and US is India's largest market in terms of export...so a strong US is great for India," President Trump said.

"We will soon have a big trade deal, which is currently being negotiated. Prime Minister Modi is a very tough negotiator," he remarked, making a second reference to India's tough stand.

He vowed to boost trade ties between India and the US and claimed that the latter is prepared to supply India with defence equipment ranging from drones to helicopters and missile systems. He also said that his vision is to see joint space operations in future.

Hopes that the world's two largest democracies could negotiate a "confidence building" deal in time for President Trump's visit faded in recent days as differences over agriculture, medical devices, digital trade and proposed new tariffs festered.

The two countries are expected to announce defence deals including an Indian navy plan to buy helicopters from Lockheed Martin worth $2.6 billion.