Former US President Donald Trump once expressed a desire to call Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6 am, remarking, 'He'll be up, he's like me,' according to Sergio Gor, a former aide to Trump. Gor, who served as a senior advisor, shared this anecdote in a recent interview, highlighting the close personal rapport between the two leaders.
Trump's early morning call plan
Gor recounted that Trump often spoke about Modi with admiration and felt a kinship with him. 'He truly considers Modi a friend,' Gor said. The anecdote underscores the unique bond that developed during Trump's presidency, marked by frequent interactions and mutual respect. Trump believed that Modi, like himself, was an early riser and dedicated to his work, making a 6 am call appropriate.
Deep care for the relationship
According to Gor, Trump 'deeply cared about this relationship' and saw Modi as a key partner on the global stage. The two leaders collaborated on several initiatives, including the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston in 2019 and the 'Namaste Trump' rally in Ahmedabad in 2020. These events drew massive crowds and symbolized the strengthening of US-India ties under their leadership.
Gor added that Trump often praised Modi's leadership style and his ability to connect with the Indian diaspora. The former president reportedly valued Modi's insights on regional security, trade, and counterterrorism efforts.
Impact on bilateral relations
The personal friendship between Trump and Modi translated into tangible outcomes, such as the signing of defense agreements and enhanced cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. During Trump's tenure, the US designated the Hizbul Mujahideen chief as a global terrorist and supported India's position on Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The two leaders also worked on trade deals and energy partnerships.
Gor's comments come amid ongoing discussions about the legacy of Trump's foreign policy. While some critics argue that Trump's transactional approach undermined alliances, supporters point to his strong ties with leaders like Modi as evidence of effective diplomacy.
The anecdote also reflects Trump's unorthodox style, often bypassing formal protocols to establish direct connections with world leaders. Whether this approach was effective remains debated, but it undeniably left a mark on US-India relations.
