Trump Calls PM Modi the ‘Nicest Looking Man,’ Describes Him as a ‘Killer’ Ahead of APEC Summit

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heaped unexpected praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him the “nicest looking man” and a “killer” during remarks in South Korea, ahead of the official start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

“Prime Minister Modi is the nicest looking guy. He looks like he would like to have your father,” Trump said in a clip of his address that circulated widely on social media. Moments later, he added emphatically, “He is a killer… his stuff is—no, we will fight… Whoa, is this the same man that I know?”

Trade Tensions in the Background

Trump’s comments come as India and the United States remain locked in trade negotiations following Washington’s steep tariff hikes on Indian imports. Earlier this year, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on several Indian goods, including 25% in additional duties announced in August, citing New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Russia.

India has defended its energy imports as a matter of national interest and economic security, maintaining that its policies are “guided by market realities” rather than geopolitical pressure.

Trump’s Mixed Messages on Modi

The remarks mark the latest in a series of contradictory statements Trump has made about the Indian leader in recent weeks. Earlier this week, he called Modi a “great person” and “a great friend” during an interaction at the White House, noting that the two had discussed trade and global cooperation.

“I just spoke to your Prime Minister Narendra Modi today,” Trump told reporters. “We had a great conversation—he’s a great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years.”

However, last week, Trump claimed aboard Air Force One that Modi had assured him India would “not be doing the Russian oil thing.” When New Delhi denied any such phone call, Trump retorted, “If they want to say that, then they’ll just continue to pay massive tariffs—and they don’t want to do that.”

Trump’s Asia tour, which includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other regional leaders, is expected to focus heavily on trade, energy cooperation, and Indo-Pacific security.