While speaking at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEOs Summit in South Korea, US President Donald Trump talked about his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding tensions with Pakistan. According to a BBC report, Trump referred to the PM as the “nicest looking guy” and also, “like a father.” Trump went on to say, “He’s a killer, he’s as tough as hell,” and even mimicked Modi by saying, “No, we will fight,” in an accent. Trump added that after two days, India had contacted the US to say it would take a softer position. “Isn’t that amazing?” he remarked.
‘I’m doing a trade deal with India,’ says Trump
Trump said he was working on a trade deal with India while praising Modi and also Pak PM Sharif. “I’m doing a trade deal with India, and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy. They have a Field Marshal. You know why he’s a Field Marshal? He’s a great fighter. And so I know them all,” he said.
Trump recalled reading reports that several planes had been shot down during the India-Pakistan conflict, prompting him to call both leaders. He said that he told Modi that the US could not move forward with a trade deal while tensions with Pakistan were rising. He gave a similar message to Pakistan, saying trade talks would not continue during the conflict.
According to Trump, both sides insisted on continuing their fight, but within two days, they reached out to say they understood the concern and reduced tensions. He described the quick turnaround as remarkable and suggested that such diplomacy would not have happened under President Biden.
‘Trade played big role in ending India-Pak war’ – Trump
Trump also once again claimed that he helped end eight wars within eight months, saying that trade played a major role in resolving many of them. He credited trade negotiations for easing tensions in places like the Thai-Cambodian border, between India and Pakistan, and across the Middle East.
Trump also said that tariffs would help cut the US trade deficit by about $4 trillion over the next decade, though he believed the actual figure would be even higher. He added that reducing deficits and debt was important for the country’s national security.
‘Going to have a good deal with China,’ says Trump at APEC CEO Summit
Donald Trump told the group of CEOs at the APEC summit that he believes the United States will secure a deal with China and that it will be “a good deal for both.” He said that reaching an agreement would be much better than continuing conflicts and “all sorts of problems.” He further added, “The world is watching and I think we’ll have something that’s very exciting for everybody.”
Trump went on to praise the APEC member countries for helping make the global trading system fairer and more balanced. He said that economic strength is closely linked to national security for all countries, including South Korea.
Trump argued that the world’s trading system had been broken and unfair for a long time, with some nations taking advantage of it while others followed the rules. He said APEC nations have now worked together to fix these issues and make trade more sustainable.
Reflecting on his return to Asia after eight years, Trump said the goals he had once spoken about were now becoming a reality. He paused to thank the audience as they applauded his remarks.
