US President Donald Trump said that his country would always be faithful and loyal to Indians, and enthusiastically embraced the entire gamut of India-US ties during his speech at the packed Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday. Trump’s speech signalled a strong confluence on major issues of concern to India. “India and the US are committed to defending our people from radical Islamic terrorism,” he said. “Every nation has the right to secure and controlled borders,” he added.
Trump said the US had a “very good relationship with Pakistan” and “we are working with them to crack down on terror organisations and militants” in that country. On trade, Trump said he and PM Narendra Modi would be making “very very major deals” but added that they were in the “early stages of discussion”. Modi, he said, was a “very tough negotiator”.
Trump dwelt at length on the burgeoning defence ties as he highlighted joint military drills and sale of American weapons to declare that the “US should be India’s premier defence partner.” He emphasised that the US military had been “rebuilt” and that Washington was quickly revitalising its alliances and friendships all around the world and referred to India-US land, air and sea military exercise while announcing a joint commitment to a “free and open” the Indo-Pacific.
“It is faith in free society, confidence in your own people, your trust in your own citizens and respect for dignity of every person that makes the US and India such a natural, beautiful and enduring friendship,” Trump said.
Modi emphasized on upward trajectory of India-US ties
PM Modi emphasised the upward trajectory of India-US relations and said, “Whether it is a matter of individuals or nations, the basis of their relationship is to trust one another.” He quoted a Sanskrit phrase to say “friendship is where trust is unshakable” and added, “Our trust is at a historic level. I have seen this trust grow in my visits to the US. When I first met President Trump, he said India has a true friend in the White House.”
Modi referred to Trump’s comments on the US’s leading role against the socalled Islamic State and said, “In defeating terrorism, the US and the leadership of President Trump have served the cause of humanity.” He described Trump as a “singular (vilakshan) leader” and a “unique (ananya) friend of India”. Modi said it was significant that Trump was visiting India at the beginning of a new decade.
PM Modi dwelt on several economic and welfare measures taken by the government, saying India had the biggest health assurance scheme in the world and it was also working towards accelerated financial inclusion. “Whether it is infrastructure or social sector, we are working on global benchmarks,” he added.
Modi referred to laws on transgender rights, abolition of triple talaq, facilities for disabled, and maternity leave of 26 weeks for women. He also said India was the US’s largest trading partner and biggest research partner. “Ties in defence, energy, health and information technology... every area is expanding,” he said.
Reciprocating Trump’s view that a growing US offered opportunities for India, he said the same was true for American investment in India. “The US will have more opportunities as India’s manufacturing grows and presents the US with new possibilities. Industry 4.0 and digital growth will mean investment for US,” he said. The PM took note of Trump’s reference to Indian icons, noting that the US president had spoken with reverence about Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda and Sardar Patel. “You said a lot about the capabilities of Indian people, you spoke a lot about me, I am grateful on behalf of all Indians,” he said.
