Trump and Modi will be 'best friends', says adviser to US president-elect

E-Paper | October 01, 2026

Trump and Modi will be 'best friends', says adviser to US president-elect

Reuters Published November 10, 2016

The US president-elect will be "best friends" with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said adviser to Donald Trump and President of the Republican Hindu Coalition, Shalabh Kumar on Thursday.

While answering a question regarding Trump's expected policy towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar said, "They will be best friends ─ not only the two nations will be best friends, but these two gentlemen will be best friends. Donald Trump knows about Modi through me. He is very keen to learn about Modi."

"He [Trump] calls out the camel in the room when nobody else does. He already talks about cross-border terrorism ─ he is the first president to do so, essentially acknowledging that Pakistan is a perpetrator of terrorism," said Kumar while commenting on Trump's policy on South Asian security in the context of India's rivalry with Pakistan.

"What I expect from him is a full expression of support for the surgical strikes that Modi ordered. The war against radical Islam is going to be properly prosecuted. He is going to find great partnership with India in that," Kumar added.

Shalabh Kumar, an Indian émigré businessman, is Trump's point person for outreach to Indian-American voters.

The Chicago-based Kumar emigrated from India in 1969 and founded the Republican Hindu Coalition, a political interest group, last year.

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Imran

Nov 10, 2016 08:10pm

Bring it on!

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dr. salaria, aamir ahmad

Nov 10, 2016 08:23pm

Let's wait and see. Only time will tell.

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Think twice.

Nov 10, 2016 08:23pm

Modi, Trump and Putin are friends.

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Shahid

Nov 10, 2016 08:26pm

Trump does indeed call out the camel in the room which is why he has offered to mediate between Pak and Ind on the Kashmir issue - something Pak wants, Ind doesn't, and no U.S president bothers indulging in. Similarly, his views on the Middle East conflict are much more balanced and fair than most politicians' which is why radical Jews don't like him. InshA Trump would be a blessing for all oppressed minorities and weak parties.

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Mike London

Nov 10, 2016 08:27pm

Game changer indeed.

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Think twice.

Nov 10, 2016 08:34pm

Trump likes and believe Putin and Modi.

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Adnan Anwar

Nov 10, 2016 09:04pm

We will see about that. Pakistan is not alone , he is forgetting about that . Trump only knows one side of the story, Trump will have to listen to both side of the story.

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Shah

Nov 10, 2016 09:05pm

Its a good chance for solution of Kashmir issue. Donald Trump has promised to work on it. India do not run away from your friend this time..

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Mir Zahir

Nov 10, 2016 09:43pm

Trump plans to take out all trade deals, renegotiate to take care of American interest. American interest for him is employment of the white working class, 70 percent are white in America. Doing away with the bad trade deals, according to him, means end or reduction of outsourcing, which is not in India's interest more than anyone else. Pakistan has already decided to keep its eggs in all baskets including Americas, and that is a good decision. Trump is against Iran, & Pakistan & Iran may get closer with Pakistan's invitation to join CPEC.

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Kkl

Nov 10, 2016 09:54pm

Nobody can solve kashmir issue better then india and pakistan...no point fighting ..accept line of control as borders and leave kashmir for next 20 years and develop your respective nations then let kashmiris decide where they want to go....

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Adil hussain

Nov 10, 2016 09:55pm

Pakistan is strong enough to belief in itself. It doesn't require support from anyone rather it supports the oppressed and helps the needy. Unfortunately some person try to represent it as a nation always looking for help.

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Rana Nasir

Nov 10, 2016 10:13pm

Who you are Kumar? Enjoy your citizenship. 70% Americans wants their jobs back and indian middle class based on American jobs. You know it right, so talk to modi for back up plan. Chill

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A Shah

Nov 10, 2016 10:14pm

Why does India always come out on top?

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Jamal

Nov 10, 2016 10:28pm

Trump is a businessman. He understand one language. Minimize the risk. He will try his best to resolve Kashmir issue. Win win for every one.

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Bikram

Nov 10, 2016 10:31pm

@Shahid mediation doesn't mean that outcome will be in your favor. It can be adverse as well.

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Qaiser

Nov 10, 2016 10:51pm

I hope Trump can achieve this which we could not do it.

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Aamir Khan

Nov 10, 2016 10:52pm

Why are Indians so obsessed with deriding Pakistanis? Is it because we got away with the better looks?

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AristoCRAT

Nov 10, 2016 10:53pm

@Shah India is not running from any problem as no problem exists my dear friend. Part of India is not a problem for outsiders to intervene

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Namo

Nov 10, 2016 10:57pm

@Adnan Anwar so what is the other side of the story.

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Bobby Harris

Nov 10, 2016 11:17pm

No even 1%doubt. Modi and Trump are are same in nature and actions. Trump himself told this to US media.

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Syed Ahmed, canada

Nov 10, 2016 11:26pm

Time will tell.

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B.Patel. U.S.A

Nov 10, 2016 11:29pm

Too much excitement over a statement from a private individual. There will be many more statements . Pl go by the facts and do not jump on the basis of individual statements.

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Zak

Nov 10, 2016 11:33pm

No way Trump is against Friends of Israel.

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SHAHZ

Nov 11, 2016 12:12am

Best friends! This adviser seems to be over excited. Trump needs to get his house in order first, foreign policy issues much later, foreign policy is not governed by one man, many other institutions are involved

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Ash Man

Nov 11, 2016 12:18am

And tomorrow trump will say these were his advisor's personal ideas. End of story.

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ARSHAD CANADA

Nov 11, 2016 12:20am

So what , the administration is very close to India to counter China. I do see any big difference in the coming months.

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Atul

Nov 11, 2016 12:55am

Good for the world.

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Adnan

Nov 11, 2016 01:09am

Large economies will favor large economies. Indian IT companies should be careful now, both local as well as in USA. Because he is going to bring Ownership back to USA. More over the fact that India is become the worlds back office, is not going to digest well with Trump. So he will let the nuclear deals and the back office IT deals carry on smoothly as long as India settles and makes concrete steps to resolve Kashmir. USA would like to have share of power development in Pakistan as well as Real Estate. Which is going to China and UAE or local. Game changer indeed. Expected more of the unexpected

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Kazzi

Nov 11, 2016 01:18am

Like Jai and Veeru from Sholay?

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Dinesh

Nov 11, 2016 01:27am

@Adnan Anwar Yes Pak have CPEC..magic wand

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sherali mitha

Nov 11, 2016 04:03am

Guys, thanks for all your comments and wishes. Let's hope, only one thing, PEACE and better relations between TWO nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. People on both sides will be delighted when they will be allowed a free and opn transit between two countries. In the meantime, Modi should ask his ministers to stop chest thumping and giving statements about Pakistan. This is Modi's job and let him be the spokes person for India. There is no benefit in verbal insults and accusations. Let's hope, Mr. Trump will take care of this issue on priority.

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Nov 11, 2016 04:14am

@Imran Because you have nothing left to lose.

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timurid

Nov 11, 2016 05:03am

Shalabh Kumar is just a 2-bit billionaire like Trump, with similar tendencies. All previous republican candidates gave the cold shoulder to Kumar's shtick. Trump got perhaps 5% of the Hindu vote.

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Mustafa R.

Nov 11, 2016 06:36am

Trump is likely to reduce tensions with China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this would in turn reduce India's importance to US.

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Trump

Nov 11, 2016 07:16am

Trump businesses has more than 2 billion US$ business in Mumbai and Pune . They have a 15 year history in India and Donald Trump has visited India many times . He knows India ,Indians and what Indians care about . He is open in his policy of using India to neutralize Pakistan . He is also of the opinion that the US should only take clear sides and no other part in any overseas conflicts . He wants Russia to take care of Isis ,Iran to take care of Saudis ,Israel to take care of what's left of Middle East ,India to take care of Pakistan and Afghanistan and China to do whatever it wants in South China Sea as long as US wins the trade equation with China . His thinking is very simple and strangely succinct .

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Friend

Nov 11, 2016 07:25am

Why Pak is so worried? If your house is clean then don't worry be happy

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Friend

Nov 11, 2016 07:24am

@Imran really? And????

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Feroze

Nov 11, 2016 07:25am

As if USA has never been against Pakistan. We are holding our grounds.

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Ramsay Bolton: Our blades are sharp.

Nov 11, 2016 07:30am

India should not rely on Trump. It should maintain its nonaligned policy.

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Fake

Nov 11, 2016 07:41am

I'm pretty sure he not advisor to anybody!

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Desi Dimag

Nov 11, 2016 08:56am

Everyone can watch the clips what Trump said about Modi, India and Hinduism on Youtube.

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Paul

Nov 11, 2016 11:46am

Ok Guys now turn around and bend down.

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Shuja

Nov 11, 2016 11:50am

Off course, they both are alike, Liars, with deceptive look. Fraud, scam artists and Undisciplined, these qualities will make them the best friends.

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true minds

Nov 11, 2016 12:31pm

The new trio-- PUTIN,MODI,TRUMP. Trump is already having Indian attachment as a business.He visited Mumbai,pune and during interaction I astonished to see his knowledge regarding India and its cultures and democracy..

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true minds

Nov 11, 2016 12:33pm

@Trump GREAT .. CLEAR,ON POINT.

Recommend 0

Nov 11, 2016 12:33pm

WOW. Just WOW. indians have hit yet another low.

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Rahat

Nov 11, 2016 12:51pm

They must be best friends as they have many things in common like hate and bigotry.

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Vikas

Nov 11, 2016 12:58pm

@SHAHZ First let me reply to your comment on "best friends". This statement is from a senior advisor to Trump and for reference Trump HISELF has said this in exact words " Let me take this further to say We will be best friends". Next as far as foreign policy is concerned if you know something about American administration Foreign policy is in fact one of the only matters where the President has almost independent reign. You think without this it would e possible for American Presidents to engage in war etc. On the opposite spectrum Financial matters is where he has the least control. Which includes aids and grants, which is what Pakistan would be concerned with.

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Citizen

Nov 11, 2016 01:16pm

@Jamal : our Main sahib also a smart businessman.. What is happening here? Nothing was solved so far!

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Khanm

Nov 11, 2016 01:19pm

Birds of feathers flock together...like minded same mind set..what would be the result in the end..Treat negative emotions like negative people. Acknowledge their presence and make whatever changes are required to remove them from your life.

Recommend 0

Nov 11, 2016 01:34pm

@Jamal like he has been elected to solve kashmir prob.... No other work for Trump

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Imtiaz ali khan

Nov 11, 2016 01:39pm

@Khanm love you friend.

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Ejazullah Baig

Nov 11, 2016 02:37pm

Pakistan ready to face any challenge...!!

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jawaid

Nov 11, 2016 02:52pm

To alleviate sufferings of people, hatred and war are not needed. I don't know when this simple fact will be dawned upon both leaders.

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Manish

Nov 11, 2016 03:04pm

Its time for Mr. Trump to return the favor to India.

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Taimoor Khan

Nov 11, 2016 03:12pm

Gullible Indians. About time they start facing Pakistan on their own rather firing their guns using Uncle Sam shoulder. They need to understand that world has moved on, it no longer uni-polar.

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Arun-KS

Nov 11, 2016 03:27pm

All those capable to see out of the box are eligible to become Namo's friend.

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A Shah

Nov 11, 2016 03:32pm

Very happy with this news.

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ind

Nov 11, 2016 03:53pm

Donald Trump won only due to indian and his last comment on MODI and indians

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Masood Hussain

Nov 11, 2016 04:02pm

who cares?

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kuladeep

Nov 11, 2016 04:44pm

actually it is not will be rather it is THEY ARE ALREADY CLOSE FRIENDs

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Razi

Nov 11, 2016 04:49pm

The Americans disintegrated the Soviet Russia, a great nation, and its the Russian's turn now, through DJT, with Modi as a facilitator. Conspiracy theory!! But does it make sense??

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sachin saini

Nov 11, 2016 05:03pm

Indeed you are right, Public of both side either Pakistan or India, we should think how we can bring better economics better education and better infra in our country we are still struggling , we are those student of class whose syllabus is not getting over and trying to become Topper of the class by copying someone else :) better we shoudl closely watch , forget who will win or kill. lets show to each other who are better nation to live , which nation can develop more faster than other . Trust me Pakistan citizens are as emotional as Indian ... both think about their nation. lets think in the area of development , and just make shut down extermist who are taking out peace either side.

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ALI (CA)

Nov 11, 2016 05:31pm

@sachin saini - well said. Thank you from Pakistan. We are always for peace

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XXX

Nov 11, 2016 09:14pm

@Rana Nasir u think that American company will stop outsourcing jobs?? They want their jobs done on a cheaper price, tats it,and none other than india can provide them so.

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SNB

Nov 12, 2016 07:54am

Too early to comment

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Nasir jamal khan

Nov 12, 2016 07:59am

Birds of a feather! And it's not a compliment to either one.

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bilal-atlanta

Nov 12, 2016 08:20am

@Trump hahahahaha.. the best comments these. from some republican comic book indeed. First of all, its matter of time before trump will e impeached. he is not a popular president. Anyhow, no country should worry about trump. America is NOT run by its presidents.. if you don't know that yet, go watch Oliver Stone's American history work to understand a bit. Knowledge is a power..

Recommend 0

faisal

Nov 12, 2016 11:46am

Listening to both, no one will be surprised. Birds of same flock.........

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p.k.

Nov 12, 2016 12:17pm

It is not a rocket science that neither India nor Pakistan will give even a inch of their respectively held Kashmir to each other. So we have only one option left, to convert LOC to IB and focus on respective countries development & not play proxies to big nations (China & US) to settle their score.

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Riaz

Nov 12, 2016 12:55pm

Trump has clearly stated His ambition is to make America great again, for white folks, this by the way my Indian friends including Mr Kumar, excludes your lot as you not white. If he gets jobs back for white folks this would mean u turn on outsourcing including call centres. This would suggest to me Indians would be impacted.

Recommend 0

raza

Nov 12, 2016 02:21pm

Indians running scared again, they have such a Inferiority Complex, they actually believe that Trump will sign deals that favour India rather then the US, on the contrary I think Modi is worried that Indian jobs will be at risk, so needs to have the US backside.

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riz1

Nov 13, 2016 09:31am

@Imran "Bring it on!" Didn't we say that thrice to India in 65, 71, 99 etc.? What's been the result every single time, at least according to neutral, International sources. Enough of selling off our beloved nation, let's become strong first structurally like India has done already and then face the world.

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Advocate in making

Nov 13, 2016 11:19am

@raza To deliver on his election promise of creating jobs for Americans, Trump will stop the outsourcing of jobs outside America. India will be hit hard by this move. So, best friends or not, Indians must be ready to face the brunt. No cause for them to rejoice.

Recommend 0

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