Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiation with U.S. President Donald Trump has been praised as a “masterclass” by CNN journalist Will Ripley, showcasing his diplomatic skills despite challenges. Hours before their meeting, Trump announced plans for reciprocal tariffs, referencing India’s high tariff policies. Ripley highlighted Modi’s ability to secure the best possible outcome, calling it an example for global leaders. Modi’s adept handling of the talks amidst complex trade issues has reinforced his reputation as an effective and strategic negotiator.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic engagement with U.S. President Donald Trump has been hailed as a “masterclass” in negotiations, offering a valuable example for global leaders. CNN journalist Will Ripley praised PM Modi’s approach during a broadcast, emphasizing the effectiveness of the talks.
“I think we have now seen, first with Japanese prime minister Ishiba's very positive meeting with Trump, and now what apparently is a very positive meeting with Trump and prime minister Narendra Modi…this is a masterclass for other leaders around the world to know how to walk into a negotiation with President Trump,” Ripley commented.
Ripley further elaborated on the challenges Modi faced heading into the meeting. “Whether prime minister Modi knew or was expecting that President Trump would make this reciprocal tariff announcement, which could potentially cause Modi to lose a lot of face if he went back to India without making significant progress, but at the end of this meeting, they announced essentially the best possible outcome for the two sides,” he said, highlighting the positive conclusion of the discussions.
Just hours before meeting PM Modi, President Trump made headlines by unveiling plans for reciprocal tariffs, though these duties have not yet been implemented. Trump, who has previously criticized India as a “very big abuser” of tariffs, mentioned the country again during the signing of his executive order on reciprocal taxes.
"There are a couple of smaller countries that are actually more, but India charges tremendous tariffs. I remember when Harley Davidson couldn't sell their motorbikes in India because of the fact that in India - the tax was so high, the tariff was so high, and Harley was forced to build... But I think they built a factory in India in order to avoid paying the tariffs," Trump said, recalling past trade challenges.
Earlier this month, the U.S. President also imposed additional tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, though the tariffs on Canada and Mexico were later paused temporarily.
Despite these complexities, PM Modi’s adept handling of the situation has been widely appreciated, positioning him as a leader capable of navigating challenging negotiations while fostering positive outcomes for both sides.