Henry Kissinger once quipped that "it may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal." That may be how Modi detractors would like to caution the country!!
"Your magnificent country.....we will always remember your hospitality" - Trump at Ahmedabad
(heartfelt note in the visitor's book at the Taj Mahal)"The Taj Mahal inspires awe, a timeless testament to the rich and diverse beauty of Indian culture! Thank you, India" -- Trump
"Trump basked in the raucous reception that has eluded him on many foreign trips, some of which have featured massive protests and icy handshakes from world leaders. In India, he instead received a warm embrace — literally — from the ideologically aligned and hug-loving Prime Minister Narendra Modi." --- report in Pakistani paper website -- 'Dawn'
India and the US are committed to defend their people from radical islamic terrorism, said US President Donald Trump. In his address at the historic Namaste Trump programme, on Feb 24, Monday Trump said - his country "loves" and is "loyal" to India. "We look forward to providing the best and most feared military equipment to India", said Trump.
"India will hold a special place in our hearts", he said.
He attended the mega event at the Motera stadium accompanied by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka - who described the event later as 'spectacular'.
US President did talk about India's great tradition of embracing individual freedom, rule of law, dignity of every human being and where people worship side-by-side in harmony. But he skipped any reference to anti-CAA row or Kashmir vis-a-vis Art 370 abrogation and the continuous detention of Kashmiri leaders.
"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.
"The US will always be faithful and loyal friend of India. Thank you for the spectacular welcome," he said.
He also announced that the two countries will firm up defence deals worth USD 3 billion during tomorrow's Feb 25 talks between him and PM Modi in New Delhi.
"We are quickly revitalising our alliances all around world," he said.
"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 spoke about Bollywood and mentioned movies like DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) and Sholay, and its sporting icons like Sachin Tedulkar and Virat Kohli.
Welcoming Trump, PM Modi said a "new history" is being created.
In his Ahmedabad address in presence of PM Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump said steps will be taken to boost trade ties between the United States and India.
The United States was prepared to supply India with defence equipment ranging from drones to helicopters and missile systems. "We look forward to providing the best and most feared military equipment to India", said Trump.
At Sabarmati Ashram, Trump inspected the loom used by the famed pacifist (Gandhiji) and looked at statues of monkeys representing Gandhi’s mantra of “See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil”
Donald Trump spun loom at the Sabarmati Ashram - the karma sthal of peace apostle Mahatma Gandhi - and wrote in the visitor's diary, "To my great friend Prime Minister Modi - Thank You for this wonderful visit."
"India will hold a special place in our hearts. PM Modi started out as 'tea wallah', he worked as a tea seller," said Trump.
Prime Minister (Modi's) is a moving story of an incredible rise," he said.
"All over the planet people take great joy in watching Bollywood films, bhangra, and classic films like DDLJ and Sholay. You cheer on great cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli," Trump said.
Many say both Trump and Modi have several common things !!
Both are populists and known for strong views on migrants and radical Islam.
Trump's visit has a special political component in the US but also coincides at a time when Prime Minister Modi is at the receiving end of attack and protest.
Modi detractors say - PM Modi's government since 2014 has brought in steep economic downturn and the regime is best known according to opposition parties for the unfulfilled campaign promises made on job creation.
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