US President Donald Trump on Monday asserted that India and the United States are committed to defend their people from radical Islamic terror.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera stadium in Gujarat, the US president said that the two countries are determined to significantly expand defence ties and are working on a “fantastic” trade deal.
During his speech, Trump underlined India’s great tradition of embracing individual freedom, rule of law, the dignity of every human being and added that the United States “loves” and will always be “loyal” to India.
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President Trump, who arrived in Ahmedabad earlier in the day as part of his maiden visit to India, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi an “exceptional leader” who works day and night for his 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.
“The US will always be a 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 USD 3 billion on Tuesday and that the US will 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 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.
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.
“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 Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
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 the 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.
Welcoming Trump, he said a “new history” is being created.
Visit of President Trump to India with his family shows strong ties between India and the US, said Modi.
