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We love you India: Trump at Motera stadium

Last updated on: February 24, 2020 15:52 IST

India and the United States are committed to defend their people from radical Islamic terrorism, resolved to significantly expand defence ties and are working on a "fantastic" trade deal, said US President Donald Trump on Monday while asserting that his country "loves" and is "loyal" to India.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a "Namaste Trump" event. Photograph: Al Drago/Reuters

Addressing a huge crowd at 'Namaste Trump' event at the Motera stadium here, the US president, accompanied by his wife Melania and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, talked about India's great tradition of embracing individual freedom, rule of law, dignity of every human being and where people worship side-by-side in harmony.

 

On his maiden visit, Trump, who was welcomed by Modi on his arrival, said his country will remain a "loyal" friend of India and called the Prime Minister an "exceptional leader" who works day and night for the country.

"India and the US are committed to fight terrorists and their ideology; that is why my government is working with Pakistan to crack down on terror groups," Trump said in the presence of his family --daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner-- and top brass of his administration.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to the crowds during the 'Namaste Trump' event at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Photograph: ANI Photo

"The US will always be faithful and loyal friend of India. Thank you for the spectacular welcome," he added.

He also announced that the two countries will firm up defence deals worth $3 billion on Tuesday and that the US will become India's premier defence partner.

"India and US have natural and enduring friendship," Trump said to a cheering crowd. “We are quickly revitalising our alliances all around world," he said.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump embraces Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the "Namaste Trump" event at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium. Photograph: Al Drago/Reuters

Trump said both countries are working on a "fantastic trade" deal, and observed that Modi is a "tough negotiator".

The US president also heaped praises on Modi, saying the Prime Minister is a "living proof" of what an Indian can achieve with hard work as Trump referred to his humble background as a tea-seller, who had a landslide win in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the "Namaste Trump" event. Photograph: Al Drago/Reuters

On his part, Modi welcomed Trump to "world's largest democracy" and said a "new history" was being created.

Modi also praised Trump's leadership in containing terrorism.

Trump said as the world's largest economy, India gives hope to all humanity and has become an economic giant.

IMAGE: Huge crowds seen during the Namaste Trump event at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Photograph: ANI Photo

"There is a difference between a nation that rises by coercion and one that rises by setting its people free -- that is India. India and the US have natural and enduring friendship," he said.

He also touched on India's cultural diversity and riches as he highlighted the success of its blockbuster movies like DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) and Sholay, and its sporting icons like Sachin Tedulkar and Virat Kohli.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump mentioned DDLJ, Sholay, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in his address at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium. Photograph: Al Drago/Reuters

He highlighted the boom in the US economy under his presidency and added that India will soon be home to the biggest middle class as it will eliminate extreme poverty in in next 10 years.
On his part, Modi said ties between India and the US are no longer just another partnership but have touched far greater heights.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump during the Namaste Trump event. Photograph: ANI Photo

Welcoming Trump, he said a "new history" is being created.

SEE: Spectacular, says Ivanka on Namaste Trump event

 

Visit of President Trump to India with his family shows strong ties between India and the US, said Modi.

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