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Published 19:37 IST, February 25th 2020

PM Modi a 'strong' man, capable of dealing with 'terrorism', says US President Trump

While addressing his solo press brief, US President Donald Trump remarked that PM Modi was a 'strong man' & was extremely capable of dealing with 'terrorism'

Reported by: Ananya Varma
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While addressing his solo press conference in New Delhi, US President Donald Trump- who is on a two-day visit to India remarked that PM Modi was a 'strong man' and was extremely capable of dealing with the 'terrorism' challenges posed by neighbouring countries. "PM Modi is a very religious man, calm man, but actually a very strong and tough person, I've seen him in action, he has it foremost in his mind, terrorism, he'll take care of it." While addressing the media, Trump revealed that he and PM Modi had 'talked a lot' about Pakistan and that 'terrorism' was something that they had discussed in length.

Read: Trump India Visit LIVE: PM-POTUS announce 'Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership'

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"We talked a lot about Pakistan. I have a very good relationship with Prime Minister Khan as well, Terrorism, we talked about it in length. It's no question that there is a problem. But it's a problem that they are working on. India is a brave nation too, there's no pullback from India," said Donald Trump. 

Trump on Kashmir

Treading carefully on his stance on Kashmir, perhaps in a bid to perhaps not upset his Pakistani demographic ahead of the US Elections later this year, Trump remarked that Kashmir had been a 'thorn' for both sides. Stating that he offers any 'help to mediate' between the nations he reiterated that his relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'were good.' 

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Read: In India, Trump's election pitch: 'Markets will rise by 1000s & 1000s of points if I win'

"I will help. I will do whatever I have to do. My relationship with both gentlemen is good. There has been difficulty in Pakistan.  We're seeing what we can do, anything I can do to mediate I will. They're working on Kashmir. Kashmir has been a thorn for both sides, but there are two sides to any story. We discussed it in length- terrorism. And I think he has some great ideas." 

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'CAA really up to India' 

POTUS in a big statement also refuted claims of him ever offering to mediate between India and Pakistan on abrogation of Article 370, stating, "I had said there are problems between Pakistan and India, and I think they will work out their problems, and I must say they are doing it for a long time." On the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act which has sent ripples across the country since its introduction back in November 2019, Trump straight out refused to comment stating that it was 'up to India' 

"I don't want to discuss it, I want to leave that to India. Hopefully they will make the right decision for their people. That's really up to India," said Donald Trump. 

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Read: Congress asks PM Modi to share trade gains from POTUS Donald Trump's visit

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19:37 IST, February 25th 2020