Donald Trump in India: Donald Trump arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday for the first leg of his India trip.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said ties between India and the US are no longer just another partnership but have touched far greater heights. Welcoming US President Donald Trump at the ”Namaste Trump” event at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, he said a “new history” is being created. Visit of President Donald Trump to India with his family shows strong ties between India and the US, said Modi. “Welcome to the world”s biggest democracy,” the Prime Minister said.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump asserted that relations with India hold a special place for his country, saying that America “loves” and is “loyal” to India. Addressing the ”Namaste Trump” event at the Motera Stadium here, Donald Trump also announced that the US will seal defence deals worth USD 3 billion on Tuesday. Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding delegation-level official talks on Tuesday in New Delhi. The US president also heaped praises on Modi as he described him as an “exceptional leader” who works day and night for India. Modi is a “living proof” of what an Indian can achieve with hard work as Donald Trump referred to his humble background as a tea-seller, who had a landslide win in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Here are the LIVE updates on Donald Trump India visit:
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump leave for Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Ahmedabad: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump leave for Agra, Uttar Pradesh. They will be paying visit to the Taj Mahal. pic.twitter.com/VuxjHzahTa
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
The US and India have shared views on terrorism. The US and India together are working to remove radical Islamic terror. Today, the Islamic State (ISIS) has been wiped out from the planet and its head al-Baghdadi has been killed. America is also working actively with Pakistan to ensure that terrorism is dealt with very strongly. Which in turn will lead to a peaceful South Asia? India has a big role to play in Asia, says Donald Trump.
In the United States, unemployment is at a record low. The US is known the world over to make the most advanced and feared weapon systems. Missiles, rockets, jets, helicopters, air defence systems, etc and now we are dealing with India. We look forward to a 3 billion dollar agreement, says Donald Trump.
Last year, Prime Minister Modi was re-elected with a landslide victory in the largest democratically held elections on the face of the planet. India is a country that is peace-loving and tolerant… a country which has tremendous talent… Bollywood itself makes over 2000 films a year – and people around the world love to watch movies like DDLJ. India is a country which is proud to be known as a nation where people from all faiths – Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and Jews worship side by side… just in a few days from now all of India will celebrate the festival of colour – Holi, says US President Donald Trump.
I would like to begin by thanking my special friend – Prime Minister Modi The prime minister – the son of a tea seller in this very city – has had a remarkable rise. He is a great man. Everybody loves him, but he is a very tough guy. The rise of India in the last 7 decades has been remarkable… The pace at which it has grown in the last 2 decades phenomenal. The people of India are an inspiration for the rest of the world
There is so much that we share… shared values, ideas, spirit of enterprise, hope, aspirations, challenges. Both nations are diverse and is united by its diversity. If they are proud of the Statue of Liberty, we too are proud of our statue of unity… the tallest statue in the world, says PM Modi.
PM Modi at Motera Stadium In Ahmedabad says “Today, at Motera stadium a new history is being scripted. 5 months ago, I was invited for a historic visit to Houston where were had a programme called ‘Howdy, Modi!’… Today, he is here for a historic visit to Ahmedabad, where he is being greeted with ‘Namaste Trump’ This electrifying and cultural atmosphere may be here in Gujarat, but the mood reflects the felling all of India has. The America-India relationship is no longer just another relationship, but an inclusive and exhaustive partnership. It is our pleasure to welcome and greet President Donald Trump, First lady Melania, Ivanka and Jared… their visit to India shows the importance the closeness in ties we share.”
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi speak at ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad
#WATCH live: US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi speak at ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad https://t.co/arJBVLFAJu
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Sabarmati Ashram Trustee, Kartikeya Sarabhai on US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Ashram: US President was happy to visit the Ashram. While leaving he said that it was a very peaceful experience and appreciated the simple living style of Gandhi ji. Sabarmati Ashram Trustee, Kartikeya Sarabhai on US President’s visit to the Ashram: Several gifts, including Mahatama Gandhi ji’s biography, a Charkha (spinning wheel) and a marble statue of 3 monkeys symbolising ‘See No Evil, Speak No Evil & Hear No Evil’ have been gifted to him.
US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka arrives at Motera Stadium ahead of the ‘Namaste Trump’ event.
Gujarat: US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka arrives at Motera Stadium ahead of the ‘Namaste Trump’ event. #TrumpInIndiapic.twitter.com/RTfVo1OK2V
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were received by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Governor Acharya Devvrat at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.
US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Motera Stadium, in Ahmedabad. #NamasteTrump event to be held here shortly.
Gujarat: US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Motera Stadium, in Ahmedabad. #NamasteTrump event to be held here shortly. pic.twitter.com/Eg9rOyqH7e
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
As the city awaits the arrival of US President Donald Trump for his maiden visit to Taj Mahal, many residents are eager to catch a glimpse of ”the Beast” — the luxurious armoured vehicle of the American president. The US Presidential limousine is expected to be part of Trump’s convoy. However, district authorities have kept the details on the ”Beast” under tight wraps. Days ahead of Trump’s visit, a nearly 50-year-old iron bridge, which falls on the 13-km route designated for the convoy from Kheria Air Force station to Oberoi Amarvilas, had caused some hiccups for the district administration, as only ”light vehicles” were permitted to cross the bridge. “That restriction on the bridge for use by only light vehicles was kept as a precautionary measure six months ago. But, after the announcement of President Trump”s visit, we got the strength and capacity of the bridge checked multiple times and it is fine. It has a load capacity of 11.4 tonnes,” a senior official said.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “Motera set to transform into the loudest stadium in the world for today! The excitement in the air is palpable as the crowd builds up inside Motera awaiting PM Modi and welcome US President DonaldTrump and First Lady for ‘Namaste Trump’.”
Motera set to transform into the loudest stadium in the world for today!
The excitement in the air is palpable as the crowd builds up inside Motera awaiting PM @narendramodi and welcome President @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS for #NamasteTrumppic.twitter.com/4Pw3SL2mIj
– Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 24, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi enroute Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, where #NamasteTrump event will be held shortly.
US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania today tried their hands at spinning the ”charkha” (spinning wheel) at the Sabarmati Ashram here. Accompanied by PM Modi, the US president and his wife went around the Ashram, before resuming the roadshow from the airport to the Motera stadium. “To my great friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thank you for this wonderful visit,” Trump wrote in the Ashram visitors” book. The US President was briefed about Gandhiji and the importance of charkha as a symbol of self-reliance. Trump reached Ahmedabad at 11.37 am for the first leg of his India visit.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump write in the visitor’s book at Sabarmati Ashram.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump write in the visitor’s book at Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/WtHCddENkA
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram
US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and PM Narendra Modi pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/9aHryJscP2
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Sabarmati Ashram. US President Donald Trump to arrive at the Ashram shortly.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress veteran leader Siddaramaiah taked potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after the arrival of US President Donald Trump and his 12-member delegation in Ahmedabad.
It is time for @realDonaldTrump to get inspired from @narendramodi.
Inspiration to build decorative walls to hide not so decorative life!!
– Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) February 24, 2020
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress veteran leader Siddaramaiah taked potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after the arrival of US President Donald Trump and his 12-member delegation in Ahmedabad.
It is time for @realDonaldTrump to get inspired from @narendramodi.
Inspiration to build decorative walls to hide not so decorative life!!
– Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) February 24, 2020
US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelling in separate vehicles during a roadshow in Ahmedabad.
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today embarked on a 22-km- long roadshow from the Ahmedabad International Airport. Trump, who is on a two-day India visit, landed at the Airport at 11.37 am. After the roadshow, the two leaders will address a gathering at the Namaste Trump event at the Motera cricket stadium here this afternoon. PM Modi, who reached Ahmedabad over an hour before Trump landed here, received Trump and his wife Melania upon their arrival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump set for the mega roadshow, which is expected to cover a distance of 22-km in Ahmedabad leading to Sabarmati Ashram.
#WATCH live from Gujarat: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in Ahmedabad. https://t.co/xZJn4qg80b
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Ahmedabad for his maiden visit to India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Ahmedabad airport to receive US President Donald Trump.
United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump landed at Ahmedabad in the presidential jet Air Force One this afternoon.
Artists at the Airport Circle in Ahmedabad, ahead of the arrival of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Gujarat: Artists at the Airport Circle in Ahmedabad, ahead of the arrival of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. pic.twitter.com/SIWsz7aiIo
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
In response to US President Donald Trump’s tweet in Hindi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Atithi Devo Bhava”.
अतिथि देवो भव: https://t.co/mpccRkEJCE
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2020
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) on Tuesday confirmed that Motera Stadium will be the world’s largest cricket stadium with a sitting capacity of more than one lakh spectators. “#MoteraStadium Ahmedabad, India Seating capacity of more than 1,10,000 World’s largest #Cricket stadium,” the BCCI wrote on Twitter. The Motera Stadium will dislodge Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground as the wold’s largest stadium Located in Ahmedabad, the Motera Stadium was made in 1982 with a seating capacity of 49,000 at the time of construction, which has now been increased.
BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah arrive at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, ahead of ‘Namaste Trump’ even at the stadium.
#WATCH Gujarat: A group of dancers performing at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, ahead of the arrival of US President Donald Trump&First Lady Melania Trump. pic.twitter.com/b28Ts66IDF
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Artists as well as visitors on the route from the Ahmedabad airport to the Motera Stadium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a roadshow along with US President Donald Trump and will participate in ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera Stadium today.
#WATCH Gujarat: Artists as well as visitors on the route from the Ahmedabad airport to the Motera Stadium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a roadshow along with US President Donald Trump and will participate in ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera Stadium today. pic.twitter.com/3dnq1V0RWg
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ahmedabad, shortly before the scheduled arrival US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
US President Donald Trump tweeted in Hindi shortly before his arrival in Ahmedabad for his first official visit to India. “We are eager to visit India. We are on our way, will meet everyone in a few hours,” said the tweet in Hindi script, a first for the President who is fond of tweeting. President Trump and his family will arrive a little before noon in Ahmedabad in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state Gujarat. On the first day of his 36-hour visit, President Trump will spend most of the day in Gujarat’s largest city with Prime Minister Modi.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Sunday that he and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would have loved to receive US First Lady Melania Trump at a Delhi government school she’s scheduled to visit but he respected the concerns raised by US Embassy over it. Manish Sisodia, who is also Delhi’s education minister, said it is a matter of pride for his government that the US first lady will visit a government-run school. Melania Trump , the wife of US President Donald Trump, is scheduled to visit the school on Tuesday to watch “happiness classes” and interact with the students.
People form queues outside Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, gather in the vicinity and occupy seats at the stadium ahead of ‘Namaste Trump’ event today.
Gujarat: People form queues outside Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, gather in the vicinity and occupy seats at the stadium ahead of ‘Namaste Trump’ event here today. pic.twitter.com/HzC34bXRJU
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Panning Donald Trump’s visit to India, the Shiv Sena on Monday said the 36-hour-long sojourn of the US president in the country won’t make ”an iota of difference” in the lives of poor and middle-class Indians. While leaving for India, Trump has said he is going to discuss business with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which makes it clear that his trip is aimed at boosting US trade, the Sena said. “There won’t be an iota of difference in the lives of the poor and middle-class people in India due to Trump’s visit. Then where is the question of people being appreciative or enthusiastic of his tour,” an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana said.
Amid high security arrangements and massive decorations, Ahmedabad is ready to welcome US President Donald Trump here on Monday to participate in a roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and jointly address a gathering at the ‘Namaste Trump’ mega event at Motera cricket stadium. Trump is scheduled to take a brief halt of about 15 minutes at Sabarmati Ashram during his roadshow from International Airport here to the world’s largest cricket stadium as the place was the epicentre of the country’s freedom struggle during Mahatma Gandhi’s 13 years’ stay there between 1917 and 1930.
The Mughal Gardens will remain closed for the general public for two days, starting today. The Mughal Gardens form the third circuit of the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour and are hugely popular among tourists visiting the national capital. A press release issued by the President’s Secretariat states that the Mughal Gardens will not be open for public and general visitors on February 24 since Monday is a maintenance day. However, on Tuesday, February 25, too the Mughal Gardens will remain closed for the general public in view of US President Donald Trump’s engagements in Delhi as part of his two-day state visit to India on February 24-25. The Mughal Gardens will be opened for general public from 11 a.m. onwards on February 26.
Traffic in some parts of the national capital will be affected on Monday due to security measures put in place for the visit of US President Donald Trump, officials said. Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive today for a less than 36-hour trip to India, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including his family members. An advisory issued by the Delhi Police stated that owing to security reasons, during the evening hours on February 24 traffic in the areas of Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48), Dhaula Kuan, Chanakyapuri, SP Marg, RML Roundabout, and the adjoining areas is likely to remain heavy.
A group of school children perform near Ahmedabad airport. They are among the artists who are performing during the road show of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today.
#WATCH Gujarat: A group of school children perform near Ahmedabad airport. They are among the artists who are performing during the road show of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today. pic.twitter.com/D5kKtUhG7H
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Security tightened outside Motera stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit today.
Gujarat: Security tightened outside Motera stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit today. #TrumpIndiaVisitpic.twitter.com/sKZnIh51Px
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Every spot for drinking water has at least 3 staff of Amdavad Municipal Corporation to make arrangements for the people coming for ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera stadium.
Gujarat: A total of 16 spots for drinking water have been set up outside Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Every spot has at least 3 staff of Amdavad Municipal Corporation to make drinking water arrangements for the people coming for ‘Namaste Trump’ event at the stadium. pic.twitter.com/c1xdbtgWkb
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, where US President Donald Trump’s ‘Namaste Trump’ will be held today. President Trump is arriving in India today, along with a high-level delegation. PM Modi will hold a roadshow along with him and participate in the event at the stadium.
Gujarat: Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, where US President Donald Trump’s ‘Namaste Trump’ will be held today. President Trump is arriving in India today, along with a high-level delegation. PM Modi will hold a roadshow along with him and participate in the event at the stadium. pic.twitter.com/uLl3hQrv4M
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
According to Agra DM Prabhu N Singh, Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive at the Taj Mahal complex at 5:15 pm and will spend about an hour at the famed 17th-century mausoleum. “People can visit the Taj in the morning but tickets will be issued till 11:30 am, and by noon or so the premises will be cleared of visitors in view of the high-security arrangements for President Trump”s visit,” he said on Sunday.
Hours before the visit of US President Donald Trump to Agra on Monday, the entry to the Taj Mahal will be closed to visitors in view of high-security arrangements, top officials.
A group of dance performers from Jammu and Kashmir perform near Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. They are one of the artists who will perform during the road show of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today.
#WATCH Gujarat: A group of dance performers from Jammu and Kashmir perform near Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. They are one of the artists who will perform during the road show of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today. pic.twitter.com/7H7zjqvQCY
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Hoardings of US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi put up in the national capital, Delhi. The US President and the First Lady will arrive in Delhi later today after visiting Ahmedabad and Agra.
Delhi: Hoardings of US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi put up in the national capital. The US President and the First Lady will arrive here later today after visiting Ahmedabad and Agra. pic.twitter.com/4dnA0QRrcU
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Hours ahead of US President Donald Trump’s arrival in India on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “India awaits your arrival. See you very soon in Ahmedabad”. PM Modi’s tweeted his message in response to the American President’s post as he was flying out of the US yesterday: “Departing for India with Melania!” On his first visit to India, President Trump will land first in Ahmedabad, the largest city in PM Modi’s home state Gujarat.
India awaits your arrival @POTUS@realDonaldTrump!
Your visit is definitely going to further strengthen the friendship between our nations.
See you very soon in Ahmedabad. https://t.co/dNPInPg03i
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2020
Gujarat: Students of Sola Bhagwat school stand near Sabaramti Ashram in Ahmedabad, with the national flags of India and the US, to welcome US President Donald Trump, the First Lady Melania Trump and other dignitaries who will visit the Ashram today. pic.twitter.com/wYA4FaUoxp
– ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Ahmedabad. PM Modi will hold a roadshow along with US President Donald Trump and participate in ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera Stadium today.