This is Day 2 of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s first official visit to India. While addressing top business leaders at a special session in the US Embassy, Trump said that Washington is working out a trade deal with Delhi.
During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that the issue of CAA did not come up during discussions between the two leaders. He also said that India has raised the issue of H1-B visa with the US and highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals in the IT sector.
Earlier in the day, Trump and PM Modi held bilateral discussions at the Hyderabad House. After the discussion, Trump announced that the two countries have finalised defence deals worth $3 billion and asserted that their focus was on having a comprehensive trade deal.
Meanwhile, Melania Trump visited a Delhi government school.
The US President is expected to hold a CEO roundtable later in the day before President Ram Nath Kovind hosts a state banquet for Trump. Catch the LIVE updates here:
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
USPresident Donald Trump leaves after completing his two-day visit to India.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets:
I am delighted that President of the United States of America Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump saw different aspects of Indian culture and hospitality. The people of India welcomed them with immense warmth.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets:Thank you President of the United States of America Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for coming to India. This visit has been a path-breaking one. We have covered great ground as far as strengthening bilateral relations are concerned. India-USA friendship benefits the people of our nations and the world.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
US President Donald Trump has arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Ram Nath Kovind will host a dinner for the Trumps. This is the American leader's last official engagement before he heads back to the US.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
US President Donald Trump on February 25 said that he discussed the issue of religious freedom with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his comprehensive talks.
On being asked about the violence on north-east Delhi over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Trump said, "PM Modi wants people to have religious freedom. We talked about it (Citizenship Amendment Act) for very long.If you look back, India has worked hard for religious freedom."
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
India is going to be a tremendous player over the next period of 50 years, or 100 years. India has a lot of potential. India has got a phenomenal future.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
We discussed about Muslims and Christians and we talked about religious liberty. PM Modi told me that they are working very closely with the Muslim community.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
When we look at all the things that we have seen today, I just think India is an inredible country. This is a diplomacy of great friendship and respect. I respect your Prime Minister, and it's going to work out very well.
India Trump visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
We know the problems (about the trade deal). Previous administration had no clue. We can do that. Everybody said we won't be able to do a deal with China, but we did a deal with China. We are working it out.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
We talked a lot about Pakistan. I have a very good relationship with Pakistan PM (Imran) Khan. India is a brave nation, and I said I will help because my relationship with both the leaders is good. Anything I can do to mediate, I will do. There are two sides to every story, and they are working on it. PM Modi is a very religious and calm man, but he is a very strong person. He is very tough. He has got that foremost in his mind, terrorism and he will take care of it.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump on clashes in New Delhi and CAA:
We did talk about religiousfreedom, and PM Modi wants people to have religiuous freedom... India has really worked hard on religious freedom. We talked about it for a long time. I didn't discuss Delhi violence with him, that's up to India.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
I don't think anybody has done more than I have (about radical Islamic terrorism)... Suleimani is gone, he is no longer putting roadside bombs. He was the king of that.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
India would like to see it (Afghanistan peace deal) happen. I spoke to PM Modi today and he would like to see it happen. We are close. Everybody is happy about it, even people who are normally against me.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
It was a fantastic two days. We had a great time, we had great meetings. This is a tremendous country.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
"The good news is that the India-US bilateral defence ties has come a long way, in a very short time. The progress report is enviable, though there are hurdles to cross," writesTara Kartha, the former director ofNational Security Council Secretariat for Moneycontrol.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
The US President is scheduled to hold a press conference at 5 pm. The press conference will come after a hectic day of meetings— bilateral as well as with top business leaders— and signing of pacts.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on being asked if the issues of CAA, NRC and religious freedom were raised:
The issue of CAA didn't come up. There was an appreciation from both side that pluralism and diversity are a common binding factor of both the countries.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump while interacting with business leaders in Delhi:
It has been an honour to be here. You have a very special Prime Minister, he really knows what he is doing. He is a tough man. He has done a fantastic job. We work very closely together.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla: From our side, the issue of H-1B visa was raised. It was pointed that Indian professionals contribute significantly to the development of high tech sector in the United States. (ANI)
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
Meanwhile, in a seperate briefing, India's Ministry of External Affairs has said that PM Modi and Trump had "useful and comprehensive discussion on trade, there wasan appreciation that it increased steadily year on year over the last few yrs, US exports to India had a fairly dramatic increase".
"On the trade side, the two leaders (PM Modi andPresident Trump) decided that we would conclude the ongoing discussions as soon as possible andgive it a legal framework andthe text could be finalized with legal vetting as soon as possible,"Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
US President Donald Trump is now talking about the US Presidential elections, scheduled for later this year. "I feel we are going to win the elections," Trump said.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | US President Donald Trump:
China is working very hard, I have spoken to President Xi. It looks like China is getting it (coronavirus)under control.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
US President Donald Trump is addressing the media at the US Embassy. During his address, he said that the US is "fully prepared" to tackle Coronavirus.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates |
US President Donald Trump is expected to meet top Indian industrialists and business leaders shortly. According to reports, those who will be in attendance includeMukeshAmbani,AnandMahindraand NChandrasekaran, among others.
Trump India visit LIVE Updates | Melania Trump says she is inspired by Happiness Curriculum
US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday said she was inspired by the Happiness Curriculum after attending a 'Happiness Class' at a south Delhi government school.
"Thank you for welcoming me. This is my first visit to India. People here are so welcoming and kind," she said.
India and US ink 3 pacts; decide to take ties to comprehensive global partnership
India and the US have inked three MoUs, including one in the energy sector, as PMModi asserted that the two countries have decided to take Indo-US ties to a comprehensive global partnership level.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
During thevisit, we discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network andthe need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with where it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression andcensorship.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
In our discussions, PM Modi and I affirmed our two countries' commitment to protecting our citizens from radical Islamic terrorism. In this effort, the US is also working productively with Pakistan to confront terrorists who operate on its soil.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
Earlier today, we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than $3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache and MH-60 Romeo Helicopters - finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
Our relationship with India has never been as special as it is right now. We have made some wonderful deals for our countries.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
In our meeting with PM Modi, we discussed on a new mechanism to tackle narco-terrorism and organised crime.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
Our teams have made tremendous progress when it comes to a comprehensive trade deal.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
I know Prime Minister Narendra Modi will agree that it has been a very productive visit.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
I and First Lady Melania have been awed by the majesty of India and the exceptional generosity and kindness of the Indian people. We will always remember the magnificent welcome the citizens of your home state (of PM Modi) showed us upon arrival.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
We have agreed to start discussions on a mega trade deal with the US.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
We (India and US) resolved to step up efforts to make those who support terrorism, responsible.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
In the last three years, we have witnessed double-digit growth in bilateral trade between the US and India.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
We have also agreed upon a new mechanism to tackle narco-terrorismand organised crime.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
In the last few years, there have been unprecedented advancements in terms of our armed forces’ interoperability.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
Today we discussed every important aspect of US-India partnership, be it defence and security, energy strategic partnership, trade or people to people ties. The strengthening in defence ties between India and the US is an important aspect of our partnership.
PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House:
US President Trump and I have decided to take our (US and India) relationship to the ‘Comprehensive global strategic partnership’ level.
The two sides have signed:
1. MoU on mental health
2. MoU on the safety of medical products
3. Letter of cooperation between ExxonMobil, Indian Oil and Chart Energy & Chemicals Inc.
JUST IN |
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi issue a joint press statement at Hyderabad House.
US First Lady Melania Trump has left from Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School after meeting and interacting with the students there.
Students of Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School gifted Madhubani paintings made by them to US First Lady Melania Trump.
US First Lady Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School:
Very inspiring to know that students begin their day with practicing mindfulness and connecting with nature.I want to thank all educators for a setting positive example and giving skills, knowledge to students.
US First Lady Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School:
In the US, I work with children like you to promote similar ideas of well-being through my 'BE BEST' initiative. 3 pillars of 'BE BEST' include dangers of drug abuse, importance of online safety and overall well-being of children.As I travel, I not only get encouraged by such programs but also people who dedicate their life to this purpose. This school promotes kindness and values of positivity.
US First Lady Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School:
Namaste! It's a beautiful school. Thank you for welcoming me with a traditional dance performance. This is my first visit to India, people here are so welcoming and so kind.The President and I are happy to be here.
President's dinner for Trump a mix of Indian, American tastes
A gastronomic delight awaits US President Donald Trump at the Rashtrapati Bhavan tonight when President Ram Nath Kovind will host a state dinner in his honour. Though the cuisine for the dinner will be Indian, the American palette will be kept in mind, CNN News18 has reported.
US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House:
I look forward to telling the media about the progress we have made in trade and defence deals.