US president Donald Trump on Sunday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “friend” before leaving for his maiden visit to India, reported news agency PTI.
“I look forward to being with the people of India. We are going to have many millions and millions of people. It’s a long trip. I get along very well with Prime Minister Modi. He is a friend of mine,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
The United States president, First Lady Melania Trump and a high-level delegation will fly into the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad before noon on Monday. They will also be accompanied by Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband and Trump’s senior adviser Jared Kushner.
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Earlier in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump ahead his visit as the two countries look forward to strengthening the bilateral partnership and ramp up cooperation in several areas.
“India looks forward to welcoming @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad,” PM Modi tweeted.
Trump and Modi will hold a roadshow along the 22-km route between the airport and Motera Stadium where the “Namaste Trump” event will be held. The route is expected to have tens of thousands of people and artists showcasing arts from different states and Union territories. The route will also feature decorations depicting events in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose life was closely associated with Ahmedabad.
{{/usCountry}}Trump and Modi will hold a roadshow along the 22-km route between the airport and Motera Stadium where the “Namaste Trump” event will be held. The route is expected to have tens of thousands of people and artists showcasing arts from different states and Union territories. The route will also feature decorations depicting events in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose life was closely associated with Ahmedabad.
{{/usCountry}}The two leaders will jointly address the event, which is expected to begin at 12.30pm at Motera Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
”Namaste Trump” will be similar to the “Howdy Modi!” event that was attended by both leaders in Houston, Texas in September last year.
Donald Trump will then head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal before reaching Delhi.