Donald Trump in India live updates | Hope the right decision for the people will be made, says Trump on CAA

The Hyderabad house dialogue is the first time that India is hosting the U.S. President since it joined the Asia-Pacific grouping in 2017

February 25, 2020 09:48 am | Updated 10:34 pm IST

US President Donald Trump addresses a press conference on the last day of his maiden India visit, in New Delhi on February 25, 2020.

US President Donald Trump addresses a press conference on the last day of his maiden India visit, in New Delhi on February 25, 2020.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in New Delhi on Monday evening for the main leg of his maiden India trip during which he will hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The U.S. President arrived in Ahmedabad around noon for a little less than 36-hour-long trip to India.

After attending the "Namaste Trump" event at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, he and his delegation travelled to Agra where they visited the Taj Mahal.

Mr. Trump was received at the airport in New Delhi by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and a number of senior officials.

 

 

POTUS schedule:

10.30 a.m. : Wreath laying at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Also read: Rajghat closed to visitors ahead of Trump’s visit

11.00 a.m. : Meeting with PM Modi at the front lawns of Hyderabad House

8 p.m.

Trump arrives for state banquet

U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for the state banquet.

India deeply committed to strategic partnership with the US, says President Ram Nath Kovind to Donald Trump.

Lot of productive work has been done in last 2 days, we are working on major trade and military deals, says U.S. President Donald Trump.

Coming to India was a tremendous learning experience, Mr. Trump adds.

 

6:10 p.m.

Trump on education and business

India has great potential and their students are coming to our colleges. India has a phenomenal future, especially with PM Modi, Mr. Trump said. 

I just met Mr Patel (Mittal) who is setting up a steel plant in Alabama and is investing billions of Dollars in the U.S. He is spending the money because of my policies, he said.

India has charged us a large number of tariffs and that is not acceptable. No one thought we could do a deal with China, but now we do. India has the highest tarrifs. Harley Davidson tariffs are unfair and we are working on it, he said. 

If the trade deal happens with India it will happen towards the end of the year, he added.

India is going to be major player in next 50 to 100 years; India is going to have phenomenal future, he remarked.

6 p.m.

Trump on Citizenship (Amendment) Act

Hopefully they will make the right decision for the people. It is really up to India, Mr. Trump responds to a question on CAA.

We discussed Muslims and Christians and we talked about religious liberty, he says. 

“We discussed it. Prime Minister Modi said they work very closely with Muslims,” Mr. Trump replied when asked about the allegations of discrimination against Muslims in India.

 

( With PTI inputs )

5:55 p.m.

Trump on Indo-Pak relations

We talked a lot about Pakistan, I have a good relationship with PM Khan as you know. I have a great relationship with India too. India is a great nation. Its a problem that both the countries need to figure out, says Mr. Trump. 

There have been difficulties between the two nation as we know, and I will do everything to improve relations between them. There are 2 sides to every story on Kashmir and I will help as much as I can to help mediate the differences, he says.

We discussed terrorism at length too. PM Modi is a calm and religious man but he is also very tough, and I am sure he will take care of it, he said.

5:40 p.m.

Trump on Harvey Weinstein and COVID-19

"I was never a fan of Harvey because he said he was going to work hard to defeat me. I did not like the guy. I don't know much about the case. But I was never a big fan. People who liked him were Democrats. Michelle Obama liked him, Hilary Clinton liked him, and the Democrats have received a massive funding from him. The question is, will they will they ask for their money back?" Mr. Trump said on the Harvey Weinstein case.

"For the women, it sends a very strong message and it was an important milestone," he adds.

On the question about his comments on Ebola, and the current efforts that the U.S. government is taking to curb COVID-19, he says that there is a difference of day and night between the two diseases. He says that the government is continuing efforts to curb Ebola. 

5:30 p.m.

Trump's press conference begins with talks on terrorism

Prime Minister Modi is a terrific leader, says Mr. Trump, adding that India is “tremendous country".

He says that India is buying a lot of military hardware.

He says that Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and other countries should begin crackdown on terror groups like the United States.

I don’t think anyone has done more than I did,  Mr. Trump said on containing radical Islamic terrorism.

"I don't think anyone has done more than I have. Iraq and Syria had Islamic terror and I gave the orders and now we have finished the caliphate. We killed Baghdadi and Soleimani and Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Russia, Iran, Iraq should do the same," he said.

To a question about terrorist forces in Pakistan, he says other countries also have similar problems and should deal with it. U.S. is 8,000 miles away from Pakistan, so others should do something about it. We've killed thousands of ISIS soldiers.

 

4 p.m.

India, US held talks in five major categories, CAA didn't come up: Foreign Secretary

India and the U.S. held talks in five major categories — security, defence, energy, technology and people to people contact, with President Donald Trump assuring India highest consideration for collaboration in defence sector, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday.

Mr. Shringla told reporters that the two countries have also decided to set up working groups on curbing narcotics trafficking and reinvigorating homeland security, he told reporters.

“President Trump has assured highest consideration to India for procurement, technology and joint collaboration in defence sector,” he said.

The isssue of CAA didn’t come up, said Mr. Shringla. Pakistan was discussed in talks and India’s concerns were put on the table, he said.

Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks for five hours to arrive at a slew of agreements, Mr. Shringla said. - PTI

3.50 pm

Trump meets Indian CEOs

U.S. President Donald Trump participated in an CEOs roundtable in New Delhi.

A day after markets tumbled over COVID-19 fear, Mr. Trump assured India Inc. that China is working "very hard to contain coronavirus". "It looks like they are getting it more and more under control," he said.

I feel I am going to win the coming elections; when we win, markets will go up, Mr. Trump said. "Markets will jump thousands of points when I win," he added.

The high profile CEO roundtable with Trump included captains of the Indian industry such as Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla.

1:25 p.m.

Trump, Modi address joint press meet

U.S. President Donald Trump and PM Modi at the joint press meet.

U.S. President Donald Trump and PM Modi at the joint press meet.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump and PM Modi have signed MoUs on mental health and medical products. They also signed a Letter of cooperation between IOC and ExxonMobil.

"It's my fifth meeting with President Trump. India-U.S. ties are people-driven and people-centric," Mr. Modi said. "We have decided to take our relationship to the level of Comprehensive Global Strategic partnership."

"Our defense manufacturers have been connected to each other. In the past few years there has been unprecedented interoperability between our forces," he added.

Cooperation against supporters of terrorism will be intensified, he said. "We have agreed on an an anti narcotics strategy," Mr. Modi added.

In the last four years India-U.S. energy trade has been worth $20 billion. In the last three years $70 billion deal in defence aviation and technology has been conducted.

"We have agreed to begin negotiations for a major trade deal," Mr. Modi stated. "For the Indo-Pacific and global commons we have agreed on rule based international order. We have also agreed on a Totalisation Agreement for bilateral security cooperation".

Mr. Trump in his address said the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi had been discussed between the leaders.

"We expanded defence cooperation by sealing deals worth $3 billion Apache and Romeo choppers . We are revitalizing Quad mechanism, free and open Indo-Pacific. We discussed 5G wireless network for freedom and not for suppression," he said.

There is major focus on forging a bilateral trade agreement, Mr. Trump said.

"Since I took office, energy exports to India grew by 500%," he said.

Mr. Trump said the U.S. was committed to empower women entrepreneurs. He also spoke on the need to rid our societies of bad drugs and opioids like fentanyl.

The U.S. is working with Pakistan to confront terrorism, he added.

- Kallol Bhattacharjee, The Hindu

11:15 a.m.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Hyderabad House for bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi

Stage decked up for the joint statement at the lawns of Hyderabad house.

Stage decked up for the joint statement at the lawns of Hyderabad house.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held extensive talks covering the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, including the key areas of defence, security, and trade and investment.

In his brief remarks at the talks before the media, Mr. Modi welcomed Mr. Trump and thanked him for taking time out for the visit to India.

Mr. Trump, in turn, said the last two days in India were amazing, especially the event at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.

“It was a great honour for me. I would imagine they (the people) were there maybe more for you than for me... 1,25,000 people were inside. Every time I mentioned your name, there were cheers. People love you,” he told Mr. Modi in front of the media.

After the talks, the two sides will seal defence deals worth around $3 billion.

During their talks at the Hyderabad House, 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.

After the talks, the two sides will seal defence deals worth around $3 billion.

FLOTUS arrives at Delhi school

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump at  Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School, Moti Bagh.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School, Moti Bagh.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School, Moti Bagh, a model Delhi Government School. She attended a 'Happiness class'.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School, Moti Bagh.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School, Moti Bagh.

 

"This is my first visit to India and it has been delightful. People have been so warm and welcoming. I just attended a Hapiness Class. It is Inspiring that students begin each day with mindfulness, meditation and sharing stories. I cannot think of a better way for all of us to start our day," she said.

The school was decked up with floral garlands and motifs, welcoming Ms. Trump. Floral rangolis were also drawn at multiple places in the school and a student band was waiting to welcome her.

Amid massive security, children were seen rehearsing just outside the gate of the institution.

-- Jaideep Deo Bhanj, The Hindu

10:50 a.m.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Raj Ghat

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi.

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania pay tribute at Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi.

 

Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat.

The U.S. President and the First Lady laid a wreath and paid floral tributes at Rajghat.

Mr. Trump also signed the visitor’s book at Raj Ghat, and the couple also planted a sapling at the memorial.

Union Minister Hardeep Puri accompanied the Trumps to Rajghat.

10:00 a.m.

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan

U.S. President Donald Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

U.S. President Donald Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

 

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Mr. Trump was accorded the Tri-Services Guard of Honour at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and several top officials of the U.S. administration were also present at the ceremony.

 

 

Regional issues, 5G, cross-border terror likely on agenda

Decorated board of India-U.S. Friendship outside Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Decorated board of India-U.S. Friendship outside Rashtrapati Bhawan.

 

The meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will be the second full fledged discussion since the American leader took charge in January 2017. Several strategically significant issues like the talks on Afghanistan and the Asia-Pacific cooperation have matured ever since the two leaders met for their first detailed meeting in the summer of 2017.

 

 

 

Twitterati surprised over Donald Trump not mentioning Mahatma Gandhi in visitors' book

A lot of eyeballs were raised on Twitter and many people expressed surprise as the U.S. President Donald Trump left a message in the visitors’ book at Sabarmati Ashram without any mention of Mahatma Gandhi.

A view of the Sabarmati Ashram’s visitors’ book signed by the U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during their visit to Sabarmati Ashram.

A view of the Sabarmati Ashram’s visitors’ book signed by the U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during their visit to Sabarmati Ashram.

In the book, Mr. Trump wrote, “To my great friend Prime Minister Modi. Thank you for this wonderful visit.”

Also read | News analysis: Is Donald Trump soft on Pakistan?

 

 

 

It’s a far greater, closer relationship, says Modi

Addressing the ‘Namaste Trump’ event in Ahmedabad in the presence of visiting U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India-U.S. relations were no longer just “a partnership, but a far greater and closer relationship”.

“There is so much that we share: shared values and ideals, shared spirit of enterprise and innovation, shared opportunities and challenges, shared hopes and aspirations,” he said.

Also read:Trump calls Modi a ‘true friend’

 

 

 

Indo-U.S. relationship no longer just another partnership: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24 said ties between India and the US are no longer just another partnership but have touched far greater heights.

Welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump at the  ‘Namaste Trump’  event at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, he said a “new history” is being created. The visit of Mr. Trump to India with his family shows strong ties between India and the U.S., said Mr. Modi.

 

Also read: As it happened | U.S. President Donald Trump's first day in India

 

(With inputs from PTI)

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