US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he is soon going to do a trade deal with India and lauded his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he has “great respect for PM Modi".

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit being held in South Korea, Trump said, “I am doing a trade deal with India soon and I have great respect and love for Prime Minister Modi. We have a great relationship."

“Prime Minister Modi is the nicest-looking guy. He looks like he would like to have your father," Trump said, adding, “He is a killer, his stuff is…no we will fight."

Addressing APEC business leaders at a luncheon in South Korea, Trump again claimed he averted a ‘war’ between the two nuclear-armed neighbours (India and Pakistan) by pressurising them over trade.

Trump arrived in South Korea on Wednesday ahead of high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit takes place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

Trump’s latest remarks came amid ongoing trade negotiations between India and the United States amid the tensions that were raised following the imposition of steep import tariffs by Washington. The Trump administration has levied duties of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, which came into effect in August, as additional penalties over New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia.

India, however, has remained firm on its stand, asserting that its energy purchases are guided by market dynamics and national security needs, not geopolitical pressure. New Delhi has consistently maintained that securing affordable energy for its citizens remains a strategic and sovereign priority.

Source: News18