Trump hits India's premier modes for political talks

US President Donald Trump wants to strengthen relations with the democratic alliance India. The meeting of protests is overshadowed.

New Delhi (AP) - US President Donald Trump met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political talks on the relationship between the two countries.

Trump and Modi wanted to talk, among other things, about armaments projects, stronger cooperation in the energy sector and the hoped-for conclusion of a trade agreement in the near future, according to US government circles.

In the late afternoon (local time, 12.30 p.m. CET), Trump wanted to give a press conference at the end of his trip. Trump will then end his visit in the evening with a state banquet hosted by the Indian president.

Meanwhile, violent protests with several deaths had taken place in the capital, New Delhi. The background to the clashes is a naturalization law enforced by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, which critics say discriminates against Muslims. At least five people have died in the protests since Monday, the German press agency learned on Tuesday from police circles. In addition, vehicles and shops were set on fire and more than two dozen people were injured by bricks thrown by proponents and opponents of the law.

Trump also wanted to vigorously promote tolerance and the preservation of religious freedom in India during his two-day visit behind closed doors, according to US government officials. Protests against Modi's Hindu government have been going on for weeks in India over the controversial law. More than 25 people were killed. Muslims are India's largest religious minority, they make up around 14 percent of the Indian population and around 80 percent are Hindus. The law makes it easier for many illegally entering migrants from three predominantly Muslim neighboring countries to become naturalized - provided they are not Muslims.

On Monday, Trump spoke to Modi in the West Indian city of Ahmedabad in front of around 100,000 people in a cricket stadium. After the joint appearance, the US President and his wife Melania flew to northern Agra, where they visited the famous Taj Mahal. The stately white marble mausoleum directly on the Yamuna River is a Unesco World Heritage Site.