#NamasteTrump: America loves India, says US President, praises PM Modi
A gleeful Donald Trump, donning a suit and yellow tie, told the massive crowd gathered at Motera Stadium of Ahmedabad that "America loves India and America respects India". The US President, who started his maiden trip to India before noon, heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was nice to call him a "true friend". Before Trump, PM Modi addressed the crowd.
Namaste Trump, said PM Modi as he began his speech
PM Modi started his speech with "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and followed it with "Namaste Trump". As Trump and First Lady Melania sat behind him, PM Modi said today is a historic day. Speaking about the 'Howdy Modi!' event that happened in September, PM Modi said, "There is so much that our two countries share - a shared spirit of enterprise, innovation and aspirations."
PM Modi explained why this trip is special
"This is Gujarat but the entire country is enthusiastic in welcoming you. The arrival of POTUS, FLOTUS, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner gives the Indo-US ties a familial touch and adds warmth to it. I welcome President Trump," PM Modi said.
PM Modi thanked Melania, Ivanka, and Jared
PM Modi made it a point to mention Melania Trump, Ivanka, and Jared Kushner. He appreciated Melania's schemes and thanked her for accompanying Trump. About Ivanka, PM Modi said she came to India in 2017 and had promised another visit, which she kept. Noting that Jared prefers to remain in the shadows, PM Modi said the work he was doing was amazing.
Trump appreciated India's democratic values and unity
Meanwhile, Trump started his speech with "Namaste India" and said, "Prime Minister Modi, you have proven that Indians can accomplish anything they want through their hard work. You have an incredible story of your rise." He said India has achieved a lot in the last couple of decades while keeping its democratic values intact. "Your unity is an inspiration to the world," he said.
While sharing stage with PM Modi, Trump mentioned Pakistan
Trump said both countries want to take down Islamic terrorism. He said the ISIS has been destroyed in his administration and mentioned that Abu Bakr-al Baghdadi, the founder of the organization, has been killed. He added that while his country welcomed newcomers, the US will always protect its citizens. "My administration is working with Pakistan to keep a check on terrorism," he said.
PM Modi is a tough negotiator, Trump said twice
In his short speech, Trump called PM Modi a "tough negotiator" twice in an apparent reference to the trade deal that might remain unsigned. "The US looks forward to providing India with some of the best and most feared military equipment on the planet. We make the greatest weapons ever made. We make the best and we are dealing now with India," he said.
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