Modi Told Me This Will Be India’s Biggest Event: Trump on His Trip
Catch all the updates on the preparations for US President Donald Trump’s India visit here.
US President Donald Trump along with First Lady Melania Trump has left from The White House for Andrews Air Force Base on Sunday, 23 February, from where they will depart for India shortly. Before leaving, the US preisdent said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him that “this will be the biggest event that India has ever had.”
Meanwhile, Final rehearsal’s on the scheduled route for the Trumps from the airport to the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad took place on Sunday.
Hitting out at the Congress over its scepticism about US President Donald Trump's visit to India, the BJP on Saturday, 22 February, asked the Opposition party why it is unhappy when the country's stature is being raised globally.
Trump is set to visit India on 24 and 25 February, along with his daughter Ivanka, his wife and First Lady Melania, and his senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
- US President Donald Trump will reportedly raise the issue of “religious freedom” with PM Narendra Modi during his two-day visit
- The names of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have been dropped from Melania Trump’s Delhi school event
- The US president will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, who is expected to visit a Delhi government school to observe a “happiness class”
- Preparations are underway for a mega event at Ahmedabad’s Motera Stadium as well as a visit to the Taj Mahal
On Trump's Menu, Gujarat's 'Khaman' Finds Its Place
Famous Gujarati delicacy 'khaman' has made its way into the menu of the high tea to be offered to US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania during their brief visit to Sabarmati Ashram on Monday.
Apart from khaman, the VVIPs from the US and their delegation will be offered broccoli and corn samosa, apple pie, kaju katli and a variety of teas to choose from, said chef Suresh Khanna of Ahmedabad's Fortune Landmark Hotel, reported PTI.
US Pres Trump, First Lady Leave White House for Air Force Base
In Washington DC, the United States President Donald Trump along with First Lady Melania Trump leave from White House for Andrews Air Force Base, from where they will depart for India shortly, reported ANI.
The US President said, “I look forward to being with the people of India, we will be with millions & millions of people. I get along very well with the Prime Minister, he is a friend of mine. PM told me this will be the biggest event they have ever had.”
Full-Fledged Preparations Underway at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad
In Gujarat, preparations underway at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit tomorrow. The 'Namaste Trump' event will be held here at the stadium tomorrow.
Traffic Diversions, Arrangements Being Increased Around Sabarmati Ashram
Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police, Ashish Bhatia on US President Donald Trump's visit said, “Sabarmati Ashram has been added to the visit plan, hence traffic diversions and arrangements have been increased in that area too,” reported ANI.
Bhatia added, “We did some combing last night, some people have been detained. But I will not be able to disclose the number of detainees now.”
“The event 'Namaste Trump', at Motera Stadium will end by 3 PM. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to depart for Agra at 3:30 PM, “ he added.
25-Bed Temp Hospital Set Up At Motera Stadium
A 25-bed temporary hospital has been set up at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, ahead of the 'Namaste Trump' event which will be held here at the stadium tomorrow.
Ahmedabad Gears up For Trump Visit
PM Modi posted on Twitter a video showcasing what the people of Ahmedabad and India look forward to Trump’s visit on Monday.
Security Tightened at Sabartmati Ashram in Ahmedabad
Preparations are underway at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit tomorrow. Security has also been tightened at the ashram.
Security Rehearsals Take Place Ahead of Trump Visit
Final rehearsal on the scheduled route for the visit of US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump took place on Sunday. The President is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad early morning and participate in the roadshow, starting from the airport.
Amit Shah Arrives in Ahmedabad Ahead of Trump's Visit
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Ahmedabad. US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump are arriving in the city tomorrow for their two-day visit to India.
''Millions of Citizens Will Witness Trump-Modi Roadshow in Ahd''
"Millions" of citizens will witness a “monumental” roadshow in Ahmedabad on 24 February when US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi will cover a distance of 22 kilometres from the airport to Motera stadium, as per a video tweeted by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday.
Trump and PM Modi will address the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at the cricket stadium after the roadshow.
Trump to be Handed Over a Silver Key Upon His Arrival in Agra
Agra Mayor Naveen Jain said on Saturday that they will hand over a silver key weighing 600 grams to US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in the city on 24 February.
“The concept behind greeting guests with a key is to symbolically convey a message that they are welcome to unlock gates and enter Agra,” Jain said.
Melania Trump Scheduled to Visit Delhi Govt School in Nanakpura
The Delhi government school which US First Lady Melania Trump is scheduled to visit on 25 February during her India trip is in Nanakpura. Regarding preparations ahead of her visit, councillor Manish Agrawal was quoted by ANI as saying, “We have been beautifying the path through which Melania Trump will go to the school. All municipal departments are busy with the preparations.”
Why's Cong Unhappy When Country's Stature Is Being Raised Globally: Sambit Patra
Addressing a press conference in at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, party spokesperson Sambit Patra trained his guns at the Congress and asked the Oppositiom party why is it unhappy when the country's stature was being raised globally.
"This is a meeting of the world's largest and oldest democracies and it should be celebrated," he said.
Underlining that Trump himself has said multiple times that India is a hard bargainer, Patra said the Congress should not be worried about India's interests.
India Doesn't Influence US' Decision on the Name of Invitees: Patra
Responding to the news about the names of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia being dropped, Patra said that the 'Indian government doesn't influence the decision of the US government on whom to invite'.
Delhi CM, Dy CM Dropped From Melania Trump’s School Event
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s names have been dropped from first lady Melania Trump’s Delhi school visit event during her India visit with US President Donald Trump, report ANI quoting sources on Saturday, 22 February.
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Trump's India Visit Demonstrates Strong & Enduring Ties: White House
US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to India demonstrates the strong and enduring ties between the two largest democracies of the world, the White House said on Friday.
The US president and First Lady Melania Trump will lead a 12-member American delegation to Ahmedabad, Agra and New Delhi on February 24 and 25.
"The president is going to India as a demonstration of the strong and enduring ties between our two countries," a senior administration official told reporters less than 48 hours before Trump departs for his maiden presidential trip to India.
Pak Must Crack Down on Terrorists for Successful Dialogue With India: White House
US President Donald Trump is encouraging a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan, the White House said on Friday, 21 February, emphasising that any successful dialogue between the two neighbours would be possible only if Pakistan cracks down on terrorists and extremists on its territory.
Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded its diplomatic ties with New Delhi and expelled the Indian envoy.
"I think what you'll hear from the President is very much encouraging a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan, encouraging the two countries to engage in bilateral dialogue with each other to resolve their differences," a senior administration official said, when asked whether Trump would offer to mediate on the Kashmir issue again during his upcoming maiden visit to India.
Trump to Raise 'Religious Freedom Issue' With Modi: Official
The United States is concerned about the rights of minorities in India and President Donald Trump will raise these issues, especially religious freedom, when he meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a senior administration official, reported IANS.
Trump's 12-Member Delegation for India Visit
The 12-member delegation accompanying US President Donald Trump and the First Lady to India will include:
- Kenneth Juster, US Ambassador to India
- Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce Department
- Dan Brouillette, Secretary of the Energy Department
- Mick Mulvaney, Assistant to the President
- Robert O’Brien, Acting Chief of Staff National Security Advisor
- Ivanka Trump, Assistant to the President
- Jared Kushner, Advisor to the President
- Stephen Miller, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President
- Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President
- Robert Blair, Special Representative for International Telecommunications Policy and Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff
Trump Will Enter Taj Premises in Eco-Friendly Vehicle: Agra Administration
The authorities in Agra said on Friday, 21 February, that US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump will enter the Taj Mahal premises in an ‘eco-friendly’ vehicle in line with the Supreme Court guidelines, reports Hindustan Times.
The chances of using the ‘Beast’ (Trump’s official vehicle) to enter the monument premises were minimal as of now, they added.
White House to Decide If Trump Will Visit Sabarmati Ashram: CM Rupani
The first day of President Trump’s visit was expected to include a stop at the Sabarmati Ashram with PM Modi, where the leaders were going to spend up to 15 minutes.
However, Gujrat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Friday stated that the White House has not decided yet if Trump will be visiting the ashram.
'Namaste Trump' Won''t Mark Inauguration of Motera Stadium: GCA
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) on Friday clarified the 'Namaste Trump' event is being organised at the newly-built Motera cricket stadium only for hosting President Trump and will not mark the inauguration of the complex.
"It is meant for hosting US President Donald Trump. We will inaugurate the stadium later," said Dhanraj Nathwani, GCA vice-president during an interaction with the media at the stadium.
Walls Along Kheria Airport to Taj Mahal Painted to Welcome Trump
Walls on the route from Kheria airport to the Taj Mahal are being painted with images of US President Donald Trump and slogans welcoming him, ahead of his visit on 24th February.
Anti-Drone System to Be Deployed for Trump's Aerial Security
An indigenous Anti-Drone System will be deployed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat to provide aerial security cover to US President Donald Trump. These Anti-Drone systems are developed by the DRDO, the system neutralised an incoming drone during trials.
'Trumps India Visit Should Reflect on Issues' Says Congress
Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, while addressing a press conference, stated that Donald Trump's visit to India should reflect on the pending issues of India like H1B visa.
Ivanka Trump to Accompany Donald Trump to India: Indian Express
US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner will be part of the high-level delegation accompanying him during his visit to India on 24 and 25, February official sources said on Friday.
This will be Ivanka Trump’s second visit to India. Ivanka had come to Hyderabad in November 2017.
Prominent Gujarati Singers to Perform at 'Namaste Trump' Event
According to Dhanraj Nathwani, Vice President of Gujarat Cricket Association prominent Gujarati singers like Parthiv Gohil, Purushottam Upadhyay, Kirtidan Gadhvi, Kinjal Dave, Sairam Dave & Bollywood singer Kailash Kher will perform at 'Namaste Trump' event at Motera Stadium event on 24 February.
'Will Talk Trade With PM Modi' Says Trump
President Trump while speaking at an election rally in Colorado Spring stated that India has been hitting the US "very hard" on trade for many years with high tariffs, he further mentioned that he will "talk business" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first visit to the country.
Preparations for 'Namaste Trump' Event Underway in Ahmedabad
Preparations are underway ahead of 'Namaste Trump' event at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to speak at the event on 24 February.
High-Level Delegation Likely to Accompany Trump to India
A high-level delegation is likely to accompany President Trump to India including Senior Advisor Jared Kushner, NSA Robert O’Brien, Secy of Treasury Steve Mnuchin, Secy of Commerce Wilbur Ross, and Director, Office of Management & Budget, Mick Mulvaney.
Hardeep Singh Puri to be Minister in Waiting for Trump's Visit
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to be the minister in waiting for President Trump's visit to India, he will accompany US President during the visit, ANI reports, quoting sources.
MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar Briefs Media on Trump's First Visit to India
Briefing the media about US President Donald Trump’s first visit to India, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday, 20 February, said there are three legs to Trump’s visit, Ahmedabad, Agra and Delhi, according to ANI.
On how many pacts will be inked during Trump's India visit, Kumar said around five MoUs are under discussion between the two governments.
“There is strong cooperation between India and the US on counter-terrorism. We hope this cooperation will strengthen. There will be talks on regional issues,” Kumar said.
The counter-terror cooperation is evident after the Pulwama attack, he added.
He also said that the H1B visa issue "could come up" in Modi-Trump talks.
Not 70 Lakh, But One Lakh to Attend Trump Roadshow
Nearly one lakh people are expected to line up along the 22-km route of the roadshow of US President Trump and PM Modi in Ahmedabad on 24 February, officials cited by PTI said on Thursday.
The number is much less than what the US president has been claiming. In a recent video, he said, "7 million (70 lakh)" people will be there on the roadshow route.
Notably, the total population of Ahmedabad is estimated to be around 70 to 80 lakh.
Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra on Wednesday said the number of those expected to be present at the roadshow will be "around one lakh".
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