US President
Donald Trump made a bizarre remark about Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) and instantly felt a need for clarification. Talking to reporters at White House, the US president said that "he (PM Modi) loves Trump." The Republican leader then quickly clarified not to take the word "love" any differently, as he "doesn't want to destroy the political career" of PM Modi.
'He loves Trump'
"Modi is a great man. He loves Trump," the US president said and then clarified, "I don't want you to take the word "love" any differently. I don't want to destroy his political career."
Trump further added that India is an incredible country and PM Modi is a time-tested leader.
'My friend has been there now for a long time'
"I have watched India for years. It's an incredible country, and every single year you would have a new leader. Some would be in there for a few months, and this was year after year after year, and my friend has been there now for a long time," said Trump.
Trump's big claim on PM Modi
Months after punitive tariffs over the Russian oil purchases, the Republican leader also made a huge claim on Wednesday, saying that PM Modi has assured him that Indian will stop buying Russian oil. The statement came after the US, on numerous occasions, had criticised India over the Russian oil trade.
"He's assured me there will be no oil purchased from Russia," Trump said. "You know, you can't do it immediately. It's a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over with soon," he added.
PM Modi 'a friend of mine'
Trump further added that the US has a great relationship with India, while emphasising that Washington was not happy with New Delhi for buying oil from Russia.
"Yeah, sure. He's (PM Narendra Modi) a friend of mine. We have a great relationship.. I was not happy that India was buying oil. And he assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big stop. Now we've got to get China to do the same thing."
"He's a friend of mine. We have a great relationship. He just said that two days ago, as you know," the Republican chief said.
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