Relations between India and the United States are tense. Donald Trump is still full of praise on his state visit.
- Donald Trump visits India
- Speak to 100,000 people at the world's largest cricket stadium
- Donald and Melania Trump visit Taj Mahal
Ahmedabad - Donald Trump always thinks only in superlatives. Everything is the "most beautiful, best, greatest" - he does not do it under it. So it's fitting that he made his first appearance on a state visit to India at the world's largest cricket stadium. He probably wouldn't have felt too comfortable anywhere else.
Maybe the atmosphere inspired him to praise his hosts for the green clover. India, with its 1.3 billion inhabitants, is a "miracle of democracy," Trump said at a joint appearance with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Ahmedabad stadium. In just 70 years since independence from Britain, India has become "an economic heavyweight and the greatest democracy ever", Trump said to around 100,000 people that India's democracy is an inspiration to all of humanity.
Donald Trump on two-day state visit to India
Trump's speech marked the start of a two-day state visit to India. On the flight to India, Trump had already sensed from the Air Force One presidential plane in Hindi that he was very much looking forward to India. Perhaps this was also because he had expected to be greeted by "six to ten million people". He had given these numbers at least before during a campaign appearance in the USA. There weren't that many, but several thousand people lined the roadside to welcome Trump.
Nevertheless, Trump was apparently in a good mood, otherwise he might have run out of superlatives at some point. But that was not the case. The United States was looking forward to providing India with the world's "best and most feared weapons", such as anti-aircraft missiles, warplanes and drones. A contract to acquire the latest attack helicopters has already been negotiated. The US will be India's most important military partner, Trump promised. He did not explicitly call China by name, but repeatedly indicated who he saw as a threat in the region.
"Together we will defend our sovereignty and security and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region - for our children and for many, many generations afterwards," said Trump, who later underlined his ties to India with a tweet. The constitutions of both countries begin with the same three beautiful words: "We, the people." Which means that "we both honor, respect and fight for our citizens!"
Our two national constitutions both begin with the same three beautiful words: “We the people.” That means that in America and India alike, we honor, respect, trust, empower, and fight for the citizens we proudly serve! pic.twitter.com/hfKKSqlVfe
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020Donald Trump hopes for trade deals with India
Trump also advocated the early conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement with India. Talks are still at an early stage, but they could lead to a “fantastic” deal, Trump said. India has "incredible potential," Trump said. The country, which is the fifth largest economy, will soon have the largest middle class in the world.
Both sides had originally hoped to be able to conclude a limited trade deal on Trump's visit. So far, the negotiations seem to have stalled. Modi's government sticks to trade barriers and most recently relied on an increase in tariffs.
Donald and Melania Trump visit Taj Mahal
Trump is accompanied on his trip by First Lady Melania * . Together they visited the Taj Mahal in the afternoon. The stately mausoleum made of white marble directly on the Yamuna River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
The US presidential couple visits Taj Mahal.
© AFP / Almond NGAN
For Tuesday, political talks and a meeting with entrepreneurs are planned for Trump in the capital New Delhi. Trump's visit will then end in the evening with a state banquet hosted by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.
By Christian Stör
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* fr.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network
Rubric list image: © AFP / Money SHARMA
