Not Even A Contest”: Trump On Who Negotiates Better PM Modi Or Him

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his brash and unapologetic style, recently weighed in on a question that has intrigued many: Who is the better negotiator—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or himself? Unsurprisingly, Trump didn’t hesitate to declare himself the superior dealmaker, dismissing any comparison with the Indian leader by saying, “Not even a contest.”

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Trump’s Confidence in His Negotiation Skills

Trump has long projected himself as the ultimate negotiator, a brand he solidified through his business career, books like The Art of the Deal, and his political tenure. Whether it was trade deals, border policies, or diplomatic negotiations, Trump consistently emphasized his prowess in securing the “best deals” for America. His transactional approach to leadership, evident in his interactions with China, Mexico, NATO allies, and even North Korea, showcased his belief in aggressive deal-making.

Given his self-perception, it’s hardly surprising that when asked about Modi’s negotiating skills compared to his, Trump dismissed the idea that there was any real competition. His remark, “Not even a contest,” underscores his belief that he operates on a different level when it comes to negotiation.

PM Modi’s Negotiation Style: Pragmatism Over Posturing

While Trump leans heavily on bravado and high-stakes brinkmanship, Modi’s negotiation style is more strategic and pragmatic. As a leader who has successfully positioned India as a rising global power, Modi’s diplomatic approach is marked by patience, long-term vision, and a mix of hard and soft power.

His tenure has seen India secure favorable trade agreements, strengthen strategic partnerships with the U.S., Russia, and the European Union, and maintain a careful balance in the volatile geopolitics of South Asia. Modi’s success in hosting global summits, including the G20 Presidency, and India’s growing influence in organizations like BRICS and QUAD, highlight his ability to navigate complex negotiations.

Where the Two Leaders Differ

1. Approach to Diplomacy

   • Trump: Focuses on personal rapport and dramatic declarations, often using unpredictability as a bargaining tool.
   • Modi: Takes a calculated and long-term approach, often ensuring deals align with India’s broader strategic interests.

2. Economic Deals & Trade Negotiations

   • Trump: Known for renegotiating NAFTA (into USMCA) and trade wars with China to push for better terms for the U.S.
   • Modi: Led India through crucial trade deals, including resisting the RCEP to protect Indian industries and negotiating favorable terms in free trade agreements with the UAE and Australia.

3. Geopolitical Strategy

   • Trump: Adopted an “America First” stance, frequently challenging allies on defense spending and trade imbalances.
   • Modi: Has carefully balanced India’s relations with global superpowers while maintaining strong ties with the Global South.

Who is the Better Negotiator?

Trump’s self-proclaimed dominance in negotiation is rooted in his aggressive, winner-takes-all mindset. Modi, on the other hand, operates with a vision that extends beyond immediate wins, focusing on long-term gains for India.

While Trump believes negotiation is about leverage and pressure, Modi employs patience and diplomacy to ensure lasting agreements. This fundamental difference makes it difficult to declare a definitive “winner.” What is clear, however, is that both leaders have shaped global negotiations in their own distinct ways—Trump with his high-stakes brinkmanship and Modi with his strategic pragmatism.

As for Trump’s claim that it’s “not even a contest,”—well, the global diplomatic community might have a different opinion.