US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a very good friend” while praising India during his address at the Gaza peace deal signing ceremony in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

“India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top, and he has just done a fantastic job,” Trump said, highlighting India’s growing global stature and Modi’s leadership. His remarks came soon after a phone call with the Indian Prime Minister, during which Modi congratulated him on the “success of the historic Gaza peace plan.”

Modi also discussed progress in India-US trade talks, posting on X: “Spoke to my friend, President Trump, and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks.”

This was the second conversation between the two leaders in a month, reflecting the deepening partnership between New Delhi and Washington.

Meanwhile, newly appointed US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, wrapped up his four-day visit to New Delhi, meeting key Indian officials including PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.

Gor presented Modi with a signed photograph of their White House meeting earlier this year, bearing Trump’s handwritten note: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great!”

“The US values its relationship with India, and under the strong leadership of President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead,” Gor said.