US President Donald Trump voiced strong support for India-US defence ties during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit, saying Washington would come to India's aid if it were attacked.
When asked about the defence relationship between India and the United States, Trump described it as "a great relationship" and added that formal treaty obligations were not necessary to underscore US support.
"We don't have a contract... but if they were attacked, we would be there to help them," Trump said, gesturing towards Modi. "If they're attacked and he's the leader, we're going to be there to help."
The remarks highlighted Trump's public endorsement of the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington, even as he acknowledged the absence of a formal mutual defence pact between the two countries.
Trump also lavished praise on Modi during comments on ongoing trade negotiations, describing the Indian prime minister as one of the toughest negotiators he has encountered.
"He's one of the toughest, actually," Trump said. "People say he's such a nice man. I said he's very tough. He's a tough trader, and he loves the Indian people."
Recalling the "Howdy Modi" event held in Houston during his first term, Trump said he shared a strong rapport with the Indian leader while emphasising that trade discussions between the two countries remained challenging.
The comments came as India and the United States continue talks aimed at deepening economic and strategic cooperation across trade, defence and technology sectors.
