‘Dear friend’, says Modi as nations react to Trump inauguration

PARIS: Leaders from around the world reacted to Donald Trump´s return on Monday to the White House, offering congratulations and urging good relations with the mercurial leader.

Here are some of the first reactions after Trump took the oath of office for a second term. 

Ukraine

“President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Nato

Nato chief Mark Rutte said Trump´s return “will turbo-charge defence spending and production” at the alliance.

EU

“The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. “Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security.”

India

“I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries, and to shape a better future for the world,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating his “dear friend” Trump.

Canada

“We are strongest when we work together, and I look forward to working with President Trump,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding -- after Trump threatened to impose 25-percent tariffs on Canadian imports -- that “Canada and the United States have the world´s most successful economic partnership.”

Germany

“The US is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. United Kingdom

Italy

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni said “I am certain that the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and the USA ... Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe, as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of our communities.”