Donald Trump India Visit Day 2 Live News Updates:
On Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and First Lady Melania Trump on the stage at the Motera stadium, Trump called Modi a “very tough negotiator” and said he is optimistic that they are in the “early stages of discussion” for an “incredible” trade deal.
Seeking to deepen ties with India, Trump hailed “India’s rise as a prosperous and independent nation” as “an example to every nation”, called out “radical Islamic terrorism”, and took an oblique swipe at China for seeking to claim power through coercion unlike India.
Accorded a colourful welcome in Ahmedabad where thousands lined the streets and packed the stadium in Motera on a hot afternoon to cheer him at the Namaste Trump event, the US President, who was accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, said both countries are “firmly united in our ironclad resolve to defend our citizens from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism”.
In his speech, Modi praised Trump as someone who “thinks big” and that his visit will start a “new chapter” in Indo-US ties to bring “peace and prosperity”. He appreciated Melania Trump for her campaign for a “healthy and happy America”, and her slogan “Be Best”, and said, “what you are doing is great”.
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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump leave after attending dinner banquet hosted by the President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan. PM Narendra Modi also present.
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US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meet President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are also present.
During the press conference, US President Donald Trump said the conviction of former movie producer Harvey Weinstein over sexual assault and rape was a victory that sent a strong message, Reuters reported.
On Monday, Weinstein was found guilty of sexually assaulting a former production assistant and raping a onetime aspiring actress.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India and the US can finalise a larger trade deal "much fast". His statement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held delegation-level talks on key issues such as trade and energy cooperation.
"Hopefully we will close the first set of the limited engagement which we have already discussed and finalised ...We will get into legal vetting and close that quickly," PTI quoted Goyal as saying.
The minister said both the leaders have decided to formally engage to move towards a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two big economies.
When asked how fast India and the US can finalise an FTA, he said "I would personally think that we can do a much larger trade deal much fast for 2-3 reasons". (PTI)
When asked about the trade deal, US President Donald Trump said: "If the trade deal happens with India, it will be towards the end of the year. We have a large deficit of USD 24 billion with India that is very high," he said.
"India is going to be a major player in the next 50 to 100 years. India is going to have a phenomenal future," he added.
Donald Trump on CAA: Don't want to say anything on CAA; it is up to India. Hope it will take the right decision for its people.
Trump on trade relations with India: The US has to be treated fairly.
Trump on tariffs in India: We are being charged large amount of tariffs...I think you have to pay the highest tariff when you deal with India, Harley-Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs when they send motorcycles here & when India sends to us, there is virtually no tariff.
Donald Trump: I didn't say anything about that (being mediator). Kashmir obviously is a big problem between India and Pakistan, they are going to work out their problem. They have been doing it for a long time.
Moments ago Trump said: We talked a lot about it today. I said I will do whatever I can do to help as my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi&Pak PM) is so good...Anything I can do to mediate/help, I'd do. They (Pak) are working on Kashmir
When asked his country imposed a travel ban on Muslims, Trump said, "We won the travel ban in India. it's not against Muslims, it's against areas."
Trump: PM said working closely with the Muslim community. 200 million Muslims in India.
Donald Trump on Pakistan: PM Modi will deal with terror. We discussed Pakistan at length. I have a good equation with Pakistan PM Imran Khan. They are working to control cross-border terrorism.
When asked about terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Trump said: We talked a lot about it at length today. No question it is a problem. They are working on it. I said I will do whatever I can do to help because my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi & Pak PM) is so good.
On the Kashmir issue, Trump said: Kashmir is a thorn between India and Pakistan. Modi is a strong man. Offered to mediate. There are two sides to every story.
President Donald Trump spoke the new citizenship law: We did talk about religious freedom. The PM said he wants people to have religious freedom. They have worked really hard on it. I heard about the individual attacks but I did not discuss it. It is up to India.
Speaking on the Delhi violence over the CAA Trump said, "Delhi unrest is an internal matter. It's up to India. "
Donald Trump: We had a great time. We had great meetings... This is a tremendous country. I think they like us more than they ever liked us. There is a great relationship between the Prime Minister and myself.When asked about the US peace deal with the Taliban, Trump said: Yes, I spoke to PM Modi on it. I think India would like to see it happen. We are pretty close. Everybody is happy about it. Russia, Syria and Iran should do it.
US President Donald Trump briefs the media on his two-day visit and addressing the issue on Coronavirus, he said people are recovering. "India doesn't have much of a problem," he said.
Trump: We signed a $3bn helicopter deal. We also signed a pact of energy.
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on matters of security and defense there was an understanding that we have a strong strategic partnership and referred it to as a comprehensive strategic global partnership. "This is a partnership that has encompassed an extraordinary increase in both exchanges as well as cooperation in various security domains," he said.
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said useful and comprehensive discussion on trade took place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. 'There was an appreciation that it increased steadily year on year over the last few years, US exports to India had a fairly dramatic increase,' he said.
'I think the two leaders (Prime Minister Narendra Modi & US President Donald Trump) also decided to move towards what was referred to as a 'big deal' in the trade sector,' Shringla said.
"There was a noticeable decline in adverse trade balance from 30 billion dollars a few years ago to 25 billion dollars today. The adverse trade balance is gradually eroding with the greater amount of acquisitions that we are making from US," he said.
Ahead of the US elections, President Donald Trump told the CEOs that Democrats are "radical" and "out of control". When asked what will happen to the markets in case he loses, Trump said the market will crash.
"Markets will soar if I win the elections," he said.
Trump also interacted with Mukesh Ambani.
Concluding the meeting with India INC at the US Embassy, President Donald Trump said India is buying 3 billion US dollars worth of helicopters.
He also claimed the Coronavirus outbreak will be under control and said China is working very hard to contain coronavirus. "It looks like they are getting it more and more under control," Trump said while addressing the media.
In a joint statement with PM Modi, US President Donald Trump said that together India and US are working to revitalise the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) initiative with the US, India, Australia and Japan on counter-terrorism and maritime security to ensure safe Indo Pacific region. 'As we deepen our partnership with India, we remember that our two countries are united by shared traditions of democracy and constitutions that protect freedom, individual rights and rule of law,' the US president said.
Trump claimed that since he took office, exports to India increased to almost 60 per cent and exports of high-quality American energy grew by 500 per cent.
US First lady Melania Trump, earlier in the day, attended a 'Happiness Class' at a south Delhi government school and said she was inspired by the curriculum, noting it has set a "healthy and positive" example for educators. "Thank you for welcoming me. This is my first visit to India. People here are so welcoming and kind," she said to the school administration.
Donald Trump says, "Our teams have made tremendous progress for a comprehensive trade agreement and I'm optimistic we can reach a deal of great importance to both countries. Since I took office, US exports to India are up nearly 60 per cent and exports of high-quality American energy have grown by 500 per cent."
Trump says, "Melania and I have been awed by the majesty of India and the exceptional generosity and kindness of the Indian people. We will always remember the magnificent welcome the citizens of your home state (of PM Modi) showed us upon arrival."
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump says, " Earlier today, we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than US$ 3 Bn of advanced American military equipment, including Apache & MH-60 Romeo Helicopters - finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities."
PM Modi: The most important foundation of the special relationship between India and the USA is people to people contact. Professionals, students, the Indian diaspora in USA have a major contribution in this."
PM Modi says, "Our commerce ministers have had positive talks on trade. Both of us have decided that our teams should give legal shape to these trade talks. We also agreed to open negotiations on a big trade deal."
PM Modi says, "Today, the deal on internal security will further strengthen this cooperation. We've bolstered efforts to ensure the perpetrators of terrorism take the blame."
PM Modi also says, "Our defence manufacturers are becoming part of each other's supply chains. Indian forces, today, do most of their training exercises with the US forces. We're also increasing cooperation to increase our homeland security and combating international terrorism."
PM Modi says, "It was established again yesterday that relations between India and US aren't just between two governments, but are people-centric and people-driven. These relations are very important for the most important relationship of the 21st century."
PM Modi says, "Today we discussed every important aspect of US-India partnership, be it defence and security, energy strategic partnership, trade or people to people ties. The strengthening in defence ties between India and US is an important aspect of our partnership."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "This is the fifth meeting between me and President Trump in the last 8 months. The unprecedented and historic welcome of President Trump at Motera yesterday will always be remembered."
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US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi issue a joint press statement. Stay tuned for LIVE updates here
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Tuesday held extensive talks covering the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, including the key areas of defence, security, and trade and investment. During their talks at the Hyderabad House here, the two leaders are also expected to deliberate on regional issues, including the US' proposed peace deal with the Taliban, the situation in the Indo-Pacific, the threat of terrorism and the situation in the Gulf region.
First Lady Melania Trump attended a session of the 'Happiness Class' at Sarvodaya Secondary School in Delhi's Nanakpura. "Very inspiring that students begin their day with practicing mindfulness and connecting with nature," she said.
"In the US, I work with children like you to promote similar ideas of well-being through my 'BE BEST' initiative. 3 pillars of 'BE BEST' include dangers of drug abuse, importance of online safety&overall well-being of children," she added
The architectural grandeur of 17th century Taj Mahal and the story of its construction by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan left US President Donald Trump "impressed" during his visit to the famed mausoleum, according to the guide who accompanied him. Nitin Kumar, an Agra-based guide, said the first word the president said after laying his eyes on the marble marvel was "incredible". He and First Lady Melania Trump visited on Monday the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, the second stop on his little less than 36-hour-long trip of India, and marvelled at the Mughal-era mausoleum built as a monument of love.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, 'I welcome you (US President Donald Trump) and the US delegation to India. I know that you are busy these days, still, you took out time for the visit to India. I am grateful to you for this.'
Donald Trump said, "The last two days, especially yesterday at the stadium, it was a great honour for me. People were there maybe more for you (PM Modi) than for me. 125 thousand people were inside. Every time I mentioned you, they cheered more. People love you here."
Melania Trump meets and interacts with students at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nankpura.
On the second day of his India visit, US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania on Tuesday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial at Rajghat. The Trumps laid a wreath and paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation. Read More
US First Lady Melania Trump arrived at a government school in south Delhi on Tuesday to attend a session of the 'Happiness Class'. She was greeted by young students, who garlanded her and also applied 'teeka' on her forehead.
US President Donald Trump was on Tuesday accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the second day of his maiden visit to India. (Express photos: Praveen Khanna)
US President Donald Trump's message in the visitor's book at Raj Ghat, "The American people stand strongly with a sovereign and wonderful India - The vision of the great Mahatma Gandhi. This is a tremendous honor!"
US President Donald Trump met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump plant a tree at Raj Ghat.
The Delhi Traffic Police has urged commuters to plan their travel as they may experience delays owing to traffic restrictions in place for US President Donald Trump's visit, officials said on Tuesday. Trump, who arrived in the national capital on Monday night, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including his family members. According to an advisory issued by the Delhi Traffic Police, traffic is likely to remain heavy in Moti Bagh, Chanakyapuri, India Gate, areas around ITO, Delhi Gate and the adjoining areas of central and New Delhi on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump write in the visitor's book at Raj Ghat.
Donald Trump laid a wreath at Rajghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. he left for Hyderabad House from here. Follow LIVE updates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Hyderabad House. US President Donald Trump will meet him here shortly.
US President Donald Trump was on Tuesday accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The US president was then accorded a tri-services guard of honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Trump's daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and several top officials of the US administration were also present at the ceremony.
10:00 am: US President Donald Trump will receive the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital.
10:30 am: The US President will lay a wreath at Rajghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.
11:00 am: US President Donald Trump will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House.
12:40 pm: The US President and PM Modi will sign various agreements and Memorandum of understandings (MoUs) and give out a press statement.
7:30 pm: The US President will meet President of India Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
10:00 pm: US President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, will emplane for the US.
US President Donald Trump inspects the Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
US President Donald Trump receives ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, his wife Savita Kovind.
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump took a tour of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Trump, accompanied by daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, arrived here from Ahmedabad on Monday. 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’.
The newly renovated stadium — the largest cricket stadium in the world with a capacity of 1 lakh 10 thousand — went through its most elaborate dress rehearsal on Monday as it hosted, besides Modi and Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and the top brass of the US and Indian governments. The planning for the event involved the Ministry of External Affairs, top security agencies SPG and NSG as well as the US Secret Service.
Over 10,000 policemen, 700 buses and the entire Gujarat government machinery came together to make the hour-long Namaste Trump event a show of strength for both heads of state — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. The BJP used its mobilisation skills to market the event as “once-in-a-lifetime” and managed to get the over one lakh crowd to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stadium in Motera on a warm, sunny afternoon. According to the organisers, people came in from as many as 13 districts. Read More
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Rashtrapati Bhawan. US President Donald Trump will be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, shortly. Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump has also arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the ceremonial reception of the US President.
US President Donald Trump is likely to hold a press conference at 5 pm this evening.
President Donald Trump announced Monday that the US will sign deals to sell the “absolute finest, state-of-the-art military helicopters” and other defence equipment to India worth $3 billion. “Over the course of my visit, Prime Minister Modi and I will also discuss our efforts to expand the economic ties between our two countries. We will be making very, very major — among the biggest ever made — trade deals,” he said. Read More
Trump is the third US President to visit India over the last decade and a half. Each of the four presidential visits — Barack Obama visited twice — have had a context. While the Presidents’ most used word has unsurprisingly been ‘India’, all their speeches have had two other things in common — the invocation of Swami Vivekananda, and praise for the Indian American community. Read more
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to say that First Lady Melania trump will visit Delhi government school today. '@FLOTUS will attend happiness class in our school today. Great day for our teachers, students and Delhiites. For centuries, India has taught spirituality to the world. Am happy that she will take back the msg of happiness from our school,' he tweeted.
Also, when US First Lady Melania Trump visits a Delhi government school in South Delhi on Tuesday, she will observe a one-of-its-kind classroom — where students and teachers meditate, chat, tell stories and share jokes for 45 minutes each day. Since it was started in 2018, the happiness curriculum has become Delhi’s flagship programme and is among those that stands out in a list of achievements that the government claims is the most unusual. Read More
On Monday, US President Trump got a rousing welcome in Montera stadium in Ahmedabad. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and First Lady Melania Trump on the stage at the Motera stadium, Trump also called Modi a “very tough negotiator” and said he is optimistic that they are in the “early stages of discussion” for an “incredible” trade deal.