Ahmedabad, February 24: India and the US are committed to defending their people from radical Islamic terrorism, significantly expanding 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.
Addressing a huge crowd at the ‘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 worshiped side-by-side in harmony.
On his maiden visit, Trump, who was welcomed by Modi on his arrival here, said his country would remain a “loyal” friend of India and called the Prime Minister an “exceptional leader” who worked day and night for the country.
“India and the US are committed to fighting 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.
“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 would firm up defence deals worth USD 3 billion on Tuesday and that the US would become India’s premier defence partner.
“India and the US have natural and enduring friendship,” Trump said to a cheering crowd.
“We are quickly revitalising our alliances all around the world,” he said.
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 could 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.
On his part, Modi welcomed Trump to the “world’s largest democracy” saying a “new history” was being created.
Modi also praised Trump’s leadership in containing terrorism.
Trump said as the world’s largest economy, India gave hope to all humanity and had become an economic giant.
“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 upon 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 Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
He highlighted the boom in the US economy under his presidency and added that India would soon be home to the biggest middle class as it would eliminate extreme poverty in the next 10 years.
On his part, Modi said ties between India and the US are no longer just another partnership but had touched far greater heights.
Welcoming Trump, he said a “new history” is being created.
The visit of President Trump to India with his family showed the strong ties between India and the US, Modi said. PTI
