Addressing a press conference on his last day of visit to India, US President Donald Trump said he discussed the issue of religious freedom with Narendra Modi during his comprehensive talks – and that the Indian Prime Minister wants people to have this freedom.
Trump on Tuesday, 25 February, took questions from Indian and international press in New Delhi. Trump described Modi as a "terrific" leader and India as a "tremendous country". Trump also described Modi as a "terrific" leader and India as a "tremendous country".
“I thought it was a great two days, a fantastic two days. I’m gonna be not at all controversial because I don’t want to blow the two days, plus two days of travel on one answer, one little answer,” he said.
‘That’s Up to India’
When asked if he discussed the violent incidents in New Delhi during his visit, he said that he didn’t discuss individual attacks with Modi and “that is up to India”.
Asked about the incidents of violence in the national capital during his visit, the US president said, "As far as the individual attacks, I heard about it, but I didn't discuss that with him. That's up to India."
To a question on the CAA, which has raised concerns across the country and led to nationwide protests, he said he would “not like to discuss it”.
'Modi and I Talked About Religious Freedom’
Trump said that he discussed the issue of religious freedom with Modi during his comprehensive talks – and that the Indian leader wants people to have this freedom.
"Hopefully, they are going to make the right decision for their people. That's really up to India," he said. The US president also said that Prime Minister Modi told him that he is working very closely with the Muslims.
‘I Have a Good Equation With Imran Khan’
Answering a question about terrorism coming out of Pakistan, Trump said,”We talked a lot about Pakistan. It’s no question, it’s a problem, but they are working on it. India is a brave nation too and there is no pullback from India. I'll do whatever I have to do, my relationship with both gentleman is so good. Kashmir has been a thorn in a lot of people's sides for a long time.”
‘The US Has to Be Treated Fairly’
Stating that India is probably the highest tariffed country around the world in terms of charging tariffs to outsiders.
“We have to stop at least as it pertains to the US, I think we are understanding each other,” he said.
‘The US Has Coronavirus Under Control’
Speaking at length about coronavirus, Trump said that the issue was not of immediate concern to either countries and patients in both the US and India were receiving adequate care and would soon be fit.
‘Close to Sealing US-Taliban Peace Deal’
Stating that India as well as people in the US wanted to see the deal go through, Trump said that people were really excited to see that the US was trying very hard.
“There has been tremendous praise for the fact that we are trying to do something. After 19 years, we’d like to bring out young people back home. That’s where they want to be,” he said.
‘Never a Fan of Harvey Weinstein’
When asked about the conviction of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who was found guilty of sex crimes and rape by a New York jury, Trump said that it was actually the Democrats who ‘loved‘ Weinstein.
“The people that liked him were the Democrats. Michelle Obama loved him, Hilary Clinton loved him. And he gave tremendous money to the Democrats and I guess my question is will the Democrats be asking for that money back?,” he said.
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