US President Donald Trump received a gala welcome for the first leg of his maiden India trip titled, ‘Namaste Trump’
The President of United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump arrived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in India today, i.e., Monday, February 24, 2020, for the first leg of his maiden India trip titled, ‘Namaste Trump’.
The Air Force One plane carrying Trump and the First Lady – Melania Trump landed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here at 11:37 a.m. local time. He is also accompanied by daughter – Ivanka Trump and son-in-law – Jared Kushner, who also happens to be the Senior Advisor to the President of the U.S.
Upon arrival, Trump was received by the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi. The Indian PM welcomed Trump with a hug and greeted the other members of the Trump family with a handshake. Traditional dances were organised at the airport to welcome the U.S. President and his family.
Welcoming Trump, Modi tweeted, “Welcome to India @ realDonaldTrump”
Welcome to India @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/EOweSVwnXG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2020
After a grand welcome, Modi and Trump headed to Sabarmati Ashram while rallying across the streets of Ahmedabad where dancers and performers had lined up along the route to greet the two leaders. At the Sabarmati Ashram, Trump and Melania were bestowed with garlands as a welcome gesture. They even tried spinning the Charkha at the Ashram. Trump also left a thank you note for Modi on the visitor’s book at Sabarmati Ashram. The note says, “To my great friend Prime Minister Modi, thank you for this wonderful visit.”
Post this, they headed to Motera Stadium for a mega public rally, ‘Namaste Trump’. Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered at the stadium to catch a glimpse of the 2 greatest leaders.
Talking about India’s progress, Modi said that today India is not just creating a world record of sending the most satellites at once, but also the world record of the quickest financial inclusion. He also informed the august gathering that India has the largest health insurance scheme in the world.
Speaking at Motera Stadium, Modi said, “I think today we can see history being repeated. 5 months back I started my US trip with ‘Howdy Modi’ and today my friend President Donald Trump is starting his Indian trip with ‘Namaste Trump’ here in Ahmedabad. You are heartily welcome in the largest democracy of the world. This is Gujarat but the entire country is enthusiastic in welcoming you.”
He further added, “India-US relations are no longer just another partnership. It is a far greater and closer relationship. One is ‘land of the free’ the other believes the world is one family. One feels proud of ‘Statue of Liberty’ the other feels proud of Statue of Unity.”
Thanking Modi for such a warm welcome, Trump said, “Everybody loves PM Modi, but let me tell you he is very tough. He started as a chaiwala and now he is leading the largest democracy in the world. It shows Indians can go anywhere with hard work.”
Talking about the love for India, Trump tweeted in Hindi, “प्रथम महिला और मैं इस देश के हर नागरिक को एक सन्देश देने के लिए दुनिया का 8000 मील का चक्कर लगा कर यहां आये हैं l अमेरिका भारत को प्रेम करता है – अमेरिका भारत का सम्मान करता है – और अमरीका के लोग हमेशा भारत के लोगों के सच्चे और निष्ठावान दोस्त रहेंगे l”
प्रथम महिला और मैं इस देश के हर नागरिक को एक सन्देश देने के लिए दुनिया का 8000 मील का चक्कर लगा कर यहां आये हैं l अमेरिका भारत को प्रेम करता है – अमेरिका भारत का सम्मान करता है – और
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020
अमरीका के लोग हमेशा भारत के लोगों के सच्चे और निष्ठावान दोस्त रहेंगे l https://t.co/1yOmQOEnXE
Speaking about strengthening the ties, he tweeted (in Hindi), “अमेरिका और भारत अपने देशों को मजबूत बनाएँगे, अपने लोगों को सम्पन्न बनाएँगे, बड़े सपने देखने वालों को और बड़ा बनाएँगे और अपना भविष्य पहले से कहीं अधिक उज्जवल बनाएँगे… और यह तो शुरुआत ही है।“
अमेरिका और भारत अपने देशों को मजबूत बनाएँगे, अपने लोगों को सम्पन्न बनाएँगे, बड़े सपने देखने वालों को और बड़ा बनाएँगे और अपना भविष्य पहले से कहीं अधिक उज्जवल बनाएँगे… और यह तो शुरुआत ही है।
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020
Trump’s also tweeted, “Our two national constitutions both begin with the same three beautiful words: We the people. That means that in America and India alike, we honor, respect, trust, empower, and fight for the citizens we proudly serve!”
Our two national constitutions both begin with the same three beautiful words: “We the people.” That means that in America and India alike, we honor, respect, trust, empower, and fight for the citizens we proudly serve! 🇺🇸🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/hfKKSqlVfe
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020
Trump assured the crowd that U.S. is working to crack down on terror which is emanating from Pakistan. He also affirmed that U.S. has great relations with Pakistan which can be leveraged in handling the menace of terrorism.
He also made an announcement that India and U.S. would be signing a U.S. $ 3 billion worth of deal during his visit. This deal would include sale of absolute finest state of the art military helicopters and other equipment to the Indian armed forces.
Trump said, “As we continue to build our defence cooperation, 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.”
Later in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Trump and family left for Agra. At around 4:17 p.m. local time, they landed at Agra Airport where they were received by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) – Yogi Adityanath.
Welcoming Trump, Yogi Adityanath tweeted, “Welcome to the pious land of Prabhu Shri Ram Hon. President Mr. @realDonaldTrump & Mrs. @MELANIATRUMP. I am sure the historical visit of the great leader of world’s oldest democracy to the world’s largest democracy will further strengthen relations between two great nations.”
Welcome to the pious land of Prabhu Shri Ram Hon. President Mr. @realDonaldTrump & Mrs. @MELANIATRUMP
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 24, 2020
I am sure the historical visit of the great leader of world's oldest democracy to the world's largest democracy will further strengthen relations between two great nations.
They were also greeted by children and 250 artists who enthralled the guests at the airport with rich and cultural performances of the State of the U.P. A giant billboard featuring Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Prime Minister Modi greeted the couple with a message ‘Grand welcome of India’s best friend to the City of Love Agra’.
Over 15,000 school students had lined up at the streets on the convoy route, holding U.S. and India flags to welcome Trump.
On reaching the iconic Taj Mahal, Trump was mesmerized by the beauty of the historic monument. He left a message in the visitor’s book which read, “The Taj Mahal inspires awe. A timeless testament to the rich and diverse beauty of Indian culture. Thank you India.”
On day 2, i.e., Tuesday, February 25, 2020, Trump will receive ceremonial welcome at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. He will also be visiting the Raj Ghat.
This will be followed by bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Modi would be hosting a gala lunch for the guests at Hyderabad House. Later, the Vice President of India – Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of External Affairs – S. Jaishankar will be meeting President Trump at ITC Maurya Hotel.
Trump will also visit the U.S. embassy and will then have a Presidential Banquet at Rashtrapati Bhawan at around 7:00 p.m., hosted by the President of India – Ram Nath Kovind. At 10:00 p.m., Trump will leave for the U.S.
