Trump Calls PM Modi a “Great Man,” But Mix-Up Between India and Pakistan Sparks Online Reactions
US President Donald Trump has once again found himself in the spotlight for confusing India and Pakistan while speaking about global conflicts. During an interaction with reporters at the White House, the 79-year-old leader referred to India while seemingly alluding to Pakistan, saying, “I have watched India for years. It’s an incredible country, and every single year you would have a new leader.
Observers were quick to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in office since 2014 and is currently serving his third consecutive term. Continuing his remarks, Trump added, “Some would be in there for a few months, and this went on year after year. My friend has been there now for a long time.”
Online Buzz Over Trump’s Mix-Up
The internet didn’t take long to react. Social media users highlighted the slip-up, calling it another example of Trump’s frequent verbal gaffes. Many referenced his repeated claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan, which he has mentioned in several speeches since taking office earlier this year.
Amid the mix-up, Trump expressed admiration for Prime Minister Modi, calling him a “great man.” He added humorously, “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump. And I don’t want you to take the word love any differently I don’t want to ruin his political career.”
Context Behind the Comments
The remarks came even as the US has expressed concerns over India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia. Trump claimed that Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil—an assertion New Delhi has not confirmed.
Meanwhile, online users pointed out Trump’s tendency to reference the India–Pakistan border conflict whenever discussing global peace efforts. Many also recalled his earlier comments crediting himself for halting a recent cross-border flare-up between the two nuclear-armed nations—an outcome India has attributed instead to military-level ceasefire talks between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
As expected, the internet quickly turned the moment into a viral talking point, with memes and posts flooding social media platforms within hours.