In his first visit to India as president, Donald Trump began by addressing a massive rally in the packed Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad Monday. The president expressed sentiments of friendship and respect on behalf of the American people, and encouraged India in its defense of liberty and peace.
“The First Lady and I have just travelled 8,000 miles around the globe to deliver a message to every citizen across this nation: America loves India. America respects India…Americans are eager to strengthen these beautiful ties with our two people…The true strength of India is found in 125,000 beating hearts in this stadium, and the millions and millions of people who have seen and witnessed our great friendship and admiration today...Let our two nations always stand together as powerful defenders of peace and liberty, and the hope of a better world for all of humanity.”
The president went on to praise the massive economic growth that India has experienced over the last several decades, and mentioned that he was in early stages of coming to a mutually beneficial trade agreement with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are in the early stages of discussion for an incredible trade agreement to reduce barriers of investment between the United States and India, and I am optimistic that, working together, the prime minister and I can reach a fantastic deal that’s good, and even great.”
According to a report by Fox News, the next item on the presidential agenda is a state dinner after some rest in New Delhi.