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Trump Praises Modi at APEC
At the APEC summit events in South Korea, Donald Trump praised India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi with strikingly mixed descriptors.
“During a speech at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, US President Donald Trump referred to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "a killer" and "tough as hell." Trump made these remarks while imitating Modi”
He called Modi “a killer,” “tough as hell,” and also “the nicest looking guy” and “like a father.”
Trump mentioned that he was working on or expecting an imminent US‑India trade deal.
Multiple outlets noted that Trump imitated Modi’s accent while recounting their talks.
Asian media emphasized the warmth of the interaction and the trade discussions, reporting that a deal is either “imminent” or that Washington is “working on” one.
Western mainstream coverage focused on the stark language Trump used about Modi and the setting in South Korea.
Trump's Claims on India-Pakistan Conflict
Trump claimed he personally helped halt hostilities between India and Pakistan.
He said he refused trade deals while the two countries were fighting and threatened massive tariffs.
Trump asserted that both sides stood down within two days of his actions.
Several news outlets report that India rejected any third-party mediation role in the conflict.
Some accounts include dramatic details, such as seven planes being shot down and a 250% tariff threat.
Independent analyses highlight discrepancies in these claims and note the lack of an official timeline for any related trade agreement.
Trade tensions and oil imports
Trade remains a central aspect of the situation.
“the US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports in August as penalties related to India’s oil trade with Russia.”
Asian and regional sources highlight that Washington imposed steep tariffs, often described as up to 50%, partly related to India’s purchases of Russian oil.
At the same time, Trump claims he is working towards a new or imminent trade deal.
One Western alternative source reports Trump’s statement that Modi promised to sharply reduce Russian oil imports by the end of the year.
However, another Asian source notes that India denied earlier assurances about stopping such imports.
Meanwhile, some reports warn that despite optimistic statements, no timeline or details of a trade agreement have been announced.
Media Reactions to Political Remarks
The political optics diverge sharply across coverage.
A local Western outlet questions Trump’s mental state after his “killer” remark.
An Asian daily warns his words could provide ammunition to Modi’s rivals during a crucial state campaign and strain ties.
Another Western mainstream source highlights online mockery and India’s rejection of his peacemaker claims.
An Asian outlet adds that Modi recently skipped an ASEAN summit reportedly to avoid meeting Trump.
Western mainstream reporting also keeps to a terse account of the labels and setting.
Trump's Remarks on Pakistan and Trade
Several outlets highlight Trump's simultaneous praise for Pakistani leaders alongside various economic claims.
“he... expressed respect for both Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, praising Sharif’s military leader as a "great fighter."”
One report states he commended Pakistan’s prime minister and military leadership as "great fighters."
Another source specifically names the army chief, while an Asian outlet mentions praise for Shehbaz Sharif.
In contrast, a different account cites Nawaz Sharif, indicating inconsistent attributions of the praise.
A business-focused note suggests that tariffs could reduce the US trade deficit by trillions.
An Asian timeline dates these remarks to October 29, 2025, and reiterates Trump's claim that trade pressure led to rapid de-escalation.