US President Donald Trump will have at his disposal a robust communication system that will enable him to work in all situations including an emergency during his visit to India next week.

According to sources, the US Security Department had earlier this month requested clearances for about Rs 300 crore communication equipment from Indian government agencies.

Sources also said that the Customs Department, which comes under the Ministry of Finance along with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), will ensure that all equipment, which are brought to India for Trump`s two-day visit will be taken back after the trip is over.

According to well-placed sources, whenever the US President travels, he is accompanied by a communication system worth $ 40 million, which is almost impossible to crack and enabling US Security Forces to keep the communication of its President safe.

Apart from the communication system, there are other expensive equipment, which will also be part of the US President`s entourage.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-namaste-trump-event-to-visit-to-agra-banquet-lunch-by-pm-modi-and-more-trumps-jam-packed-india-schedule-281872">From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule</a>

The equipment includes high-end cameras, audio-visual input, and output devices, equipment for satellite communications jammers among others.

Sources claimed that clearances from the concerned departments have already been given and US authorities will have to take them back by next month before the date given by Indian authorities.

"Whenever there is a visit of VVIP, especially Prime Minister or President of nations like Russia, UK, United States, etc, their security department gives us full details of equipment they want to carry also with the cost of each equipment," a top government official explained.

"It is mandatory for any country to provide details of such equipment before the visit begins. After analysing the list, departments mainly customs give clearances to allow these equipments. BCAS works like a nodal agency which deals with multiple Indian agencies to clear all stuff," added the official.

The US agencies are also more vigilant after news reports emerged of a data breach in the system of the agency, which looks after the communication needs of the US President. The US President will be on a two-day visit to India on February 24-25.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump will have at his disposal a robust communication system that will enable him to work in all situations including an emergency during his visit to India next week.

US President Donald Trump will have at his disposal a robust communication system that will enable him to work in all situations including an emergency during his visit to India next week. According to sources, the US Security Department had earlier this month requested clearances for about Rs 300 crore communication equipment from Indian government agencies. Sources also said that the Customs Department, which comes under the Ministry of Finance along with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), will ensure that all equipment, which are brought to India for Trump`s two-day visit will be taken back after the trip is over. According to well-placed sources, whenever the US President travels, he is accompanied by a communication system worth $ 40 million, which is almost impossible to crack and enabling US Security Forces to keep the communication of its President safe. Apart from the communication system, there are other expensive equipment, which will also be part of the US President`s entourage. Also read: From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule The equipment includes high-end cameras, audio-visual input, and output devices, equipment for satellite communications jammers among others. Sources claimed that clearances from the concerned departments have already been given and US authorities will have to take them back by next month before the date given by Indian authorities. "Whenever there is a visit of VVIP, especially Prime Minister or President of nations like Russia, UK, United States, etc, their security department gives us full details of equipment they want to carry also with the cost of each equipment," a top government official explained. "It is mandatory for any country to provide details of such equipment before the visit begins. After analysing the list, departments mainly customs give clearances to allow these equipments. BCAS works like a nodal agency which deals with multiple Indian agencies to clear all stuff," added the official. The US agencies are also more vigilant after news reports emerged of a data breach in the system of the agency, which looks after the communication needs of the US President. The US President will be on a two-day visit to India on February 24-25.

US communication equipment worth over $40 mn to be at Trump's disposal during India visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the first-ever Khelo India Games, which will be held from February 22 to March 1 at Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Games tomorrow via video conferencing, said an official statement on Friday.

The Khelo India University Games are being launched by the Government of India in association with the Government of Odisha.

"The Khelo India Programme, a brainchild of the Prime Minister was introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation," the statement said.

This is the largest ever competition held at the university level in India and will have about 3,500 athletes from over 150 universities across the country taking part in it.

There will be a total of 17 sports namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the first-ever Khelo India Games, which will be held from February 22 to March 1 at Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the first-ever Khelo India Games, which will be held from February 22 to March 1 at Bhubaneswar in Odisha. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the Games tomorrow via video conferencing, said an official statement on Friday. The Khelo India University Games are being launched by the Government of India in association with the Government of Odisha. "The Khelo India Programme, a brainchild of the Prime Minister was introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation," the statement said. This is the largest ever competition held at the university level in India and will have about 3,500 athletes from over 150 universities across the country taking part in it. There will be a total of 17 sports namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi at the event.

PM Modi to address opening ceremony of first-ever Khelo India Games

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted WION's report on his upcoming visit to India.&nbsp;

The US president retweeted WION's video that showcased the many details of the royal welcome that he will be given on his two-day trip to India next week.&nbsp;

In less than a week, India will be hosting US President Donald Trump who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned for his royal welcome in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-signals-very-big-trade-deal-with-india-before-us-presidential-elections-281582">Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections</a>

<img alt="trump tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e655fc3-6b06-499c-9606-68e0696aad9e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump_0.JPG" />

New Delhi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Trumps get a royal welcome. Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. &nbsp;

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-india-prepares-for-trump-visit-sabarmati-ashram-gets-makeover-281554">As India prepares for Trump visit, Sabarmati Ashram gets makeover</a>

Reports suggest a 10-member all-women team led by an IPS officer will assist Melania during her stay. They have been instructed on cyber monitoring and security aspects. They have been told to wear trousers and blazers instead of the traditional khaki.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-full-swing-ahead-of-us-president-donald-trumps-india-visit-281468">India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NamasteTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NamasteTrump</a> | A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned in Ahmedabad to welcome the United States President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> on February 24<a href="https://twitter.com/PriyankaSh25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PriyankaSh25</a> has all the details! <a href="https://t.co/8gOOoWchr6">pic.twitter.com/8gOOoWchr6</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1230036797691965441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump and Melania will also visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later.

Trump will also inaugurate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-to-india-trump-set-to-open-worlds-biggest-cricket-stadium-281416">world's largest cricket stadium</a> which is nearing completion in Ahmedabad. The Motera Stadium will seat over one lakh people.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted WION's report on his upcoming visit to India. The US president retweeted WION's video that showcased the many details of the royal welcome that he will be given on his two-day trip to India next week.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday retweeted WION's report on his upcoming visit to India. The US president retweeted WION's video that showcased the many details of the royal welcome that he will be given on his two-day trip to India next week. In less than a week, India will be hosting US President Donald Trump who will be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned for his royal welcome in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Also read: Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections New Delhi is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Trumps get a royal welcome. Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. In pics: As India prepares for Trump visit, Sabarmati Ashram gets makeover Reports suggest a 10-member all-women team led by an IPS officer will assist Melania during her stay. They have been instructed on cyber monitoring and security aspects. They have been told to wear trousers and blazers instead of the traditional khaki. Also read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit #NamasteTrump | A 22-kilometre long roadshow is planned in Ahmedabad to welcome the United States President @realDonaldTrump on February 24@PriyankaSh25 has all the details! pic.twitter.com/8gOOoWchr6 — WION (@WIONews) February 19, 2020 × Trump and Melania will also visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later. Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium which is nearing completion in Ahmedabad. The Motera Stadium will seat over one lakh people.

US President Donald Trump retweets WION's coverage of his upcoming trip to India

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad, the home base of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday at the start of a two-day visit aimed at smoothing ties strained by trade disputes.

Making his first official trip to the world's largest democracy, Trump is also expected to visit the humble abode of India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad.

The leaders of China, Japan and Israel have all visited Ahmedabad since Modi became prime minister. It is the biggest city in Gujarat, the western state where Modi made his mark as chief minister before his party swept to power in 2014.

Authorities in Ahmedabad expect to spend around 800 million to 850 million Indian rupees ($11-12 million) on preparations for the visit by the American president that is likely to last around three hours, two government officials with direct knowledge of the plans told Reuters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-india-visit-news-high-profile-indian-americans-who-will-accompany-donald-trump-in-his-visit-to-india-281015">Several Indian-Americans to accompany President Trump during India visit</a>

The sum is equivalent to equivalent to about 1.5 per cent of the annual budget for the home ministry in Gujarat.

Security-related costs, with more than 12,000 police officers expected to be deployed, will account for almost half the expense, said the officials, who declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak publicly about the visit.

Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra, the city's top civic official, told Reuters that authorities had already spent around 300 million rupees ($4.2 million) on widening roads and improving infrastructure around the new cricket stadium.

With capacity for 110,000 spectators, the Motera Stadium will dislodge the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the world's largest cricket stadium.

"Eighteen roads of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) in length from Ahmedabad Airport to Motera Stadium have been widened or re-laid," Nehra said, adding that the improvements had been planned before Trump's visit was confirmed.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-ahemdabad-in-full-swing-ahead-of-trumps-maiden-visit-to-india-280972">Ahemdabad - Preparations in full swing ahead of Trump's maiden visit to India</a>

A further 60 million Indian rupees ($840,000) will go on "beautification" of the city, said Nehra, including erecting the wall to spare Trump's view.

Ashok Brahmbhatt, secretary of Gujarat Cricket Association, which owns the Motera Stadium set to be opened by Trump, said it would also spend tens of millions of rupees during the event.

Nehra tweeted on Sunday that more than 100,000 participants had registered so far to greet Trump as he heads from the airport to the city centre. Trump said last week Modi had promised "millions and millions" of people would line his route.

Trump may also visit the famous Taj Mahal monument in the city of Agra, and all leave for police officers in that city has been cancelled, according to a document seen by Reuters.

US President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad, the home base of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday at the start of a two-day visit aimed at smoothing ties strained by trade disputes.

US President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad, the home base of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday at the start of a two-day visit aimed at smoothing ties strained by trade disputes. Making his first official trip to the world's largest democracy, Trump is also expected to visit the humble abode of India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad. The leaders of China, Japan and Israel have all visited Ahmedabad since Modi became prime minister. It is the biggest city in Gujarat, the western state where Modi made his mark as chief minister before his party swept to power in 2014. Authorities in Ahmedabad expect to spend around 800 million to 850 million Indian rupees ($11-12 million) on preparations for the visit by the American president that is likely to last around three hours, two government officials with direct knowledge of the plans told Reuters. Also read: Several Indian-Americans to accompany President Trump during India visit The sum is equivalent to equivalent to about 1.5 per cent of the annual budget for the home ministry in Gujarat. Security-related costs, with more than 12,000 police officers expected to be deployed, will account for almost half the expense, said the officials, who declined to be named as they are not authorised to speak publicly about the visit. Ahmedabad municipal commissioner Vijay Nehra, the city's top civic official, told Reuters that authorities had already spent around 300 million rupees ($4.2 million) on widening roads and improving infrastructure around the new cricket stadium. With capacity for 110,000 spectators, the Motera Stadium will dislodge the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the world's largest cricket stadium. "Eighteen roads of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) in length from Ahmedabad Airport to Motera Stadium have been widened or re-laid," Nehra said, adding that the improvements had been planned before Trump's visit was confirmed. Also read: Ahemdabad - Preparations in full swing ahead of Trump's maiden visit to India A further 60 million Indian rupees ($840,000) will go on "beautification" of the city, said Nehra, including erecting the wall to spare Trump's view. Ashok Brahmbhatt, secretary of Gujarat Cricket Association, which owns the Motera Stadium set to be opened by Trump, said it would also spend tens of millions of rupees during the event. Nehra tweeted on Sunday that more than 100,000 participants had registered so far to greet Trump as he heads from the airport to the city centre. Trump said last week Modi had promised "millions and millions" of people would line his route. Trump may also visit the famous Taj Mahal monument in the city of Agra, and all leave for police officers in that city has been cancelled, according to a document seen by Reuters.

Going to India: Trump set to open world's biggest cricket stadium

India has offered to partially open up its poultry and dairy markets in a bid for a limited trade deal during US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's first official visit to the country this month, people familiar with the protracted talks say.

India, the world's largest milk-producing nation, has traditionally restricted dairy imports to protect the livelihoods of 80 million rural households involved in the industry.

But Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to pull all the stops for the US&nbsp;president's Feb. 24-25 visit, aimed at rebuilding bonds between the world's largest democracies.

In 2019, Trump suspended India's special trade designation that dated back to 1970s, after Modi put price caps on medical devices, such as cardiac stents and knee implants, and introduced new data localization requirements and e-commerce restrictions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-drops-india-from-developing-nations-list-barring-trade-benefits-280252">US drops India from developing nations list barring trade benefits</a>

Trump's trip to India has raised hopes that he would restore some of the country's US&nbsp;trade preferences, in exchange for tariff reductions and other concessions.

The United States is India's second-largest trade partner after China, and bilateral goods and services trade climbed to a record $142.6 billion in 2018. The United States had a $23.2 billion goods trade deficit in 2019 with India, its 9th largest trading partner in goods.

India has offered to allow imports of US&nbsp;chicken legs, turkey and produce such as blueberries and cherries, Indian government sources said and has offered to cut tariffs on chicken legs from 100 per cent&nbsp;to 25 per cent. US&nbsp;negotiators want that tariff cut to 10 per cent.

The Modi government is also offering to allow some access to India's dairy market, but with a 5 per cent&nbsp;tariff and quotas, the sources said. But dairy imports would need a certificate they are not derived from animals that have consumed feeds that include internal organs, blood meal or tissues of ruminants.

New Delhi has also offered to lower its 50 per cent tariffs on very large motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson, a tax that was a particular irritant for Trump, who has labelled India the "tariff king." The change would be largely symbolic because few such motorcycles are sold in India.

Trump will be feted in Modi's home state of Gujarat, then hold talks in New Delhi and attend a reception that the hosts have promised will be bigger than the one organised for former president Barack Obama in 2015.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-indo-us-trade-deal-likely-during-donald-trumps-india-visit-sources-278891">Indo-US trade deal likely during Donald Trump's India visit</a>

Enough for Lighthizer

But it is far from clear whether India's offers will be enough to satisfy US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who cancelled plans for a trip to India this week. Instead, he has held telephone talks with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The US&nbsp;dairy industry remained sceptical on Thursday that a viable deal is at hand.

"We're always looking for market access, but in terms of India, as of today I'm not aware of any real progress going on," said Michael Dykes, president of the International Dairy Foods Association and a member of USTR's agricultural trade policy advisory committee.

Dykes said the US&nbsp;dairy industry was looking for access in viable commercial quantities.

A USTR spokesman and India's trade ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Privacy law complications

An Indian parliament panel is reviewing a draft data privacy law that imposes stringent controls over cross-border data flows and gives the government powers to seek user data from companies.

It is not clear whether it will be passed, or in what form, but the possibilities have unnerved US&nbsp;companies and could raise compliance requirements for Google, Amazon.com Inc, and Facebook.

The draft law is not part of the trade discussions, Indian officials say, because the issue is too difficult to resolve at the same time.

"The privacy and localization piece will be raised independently and in concert with the trade discussions," said a Washington-based source with knowledge of the US&nbsp;administration's thinking.

Trump on Tuesday was non-committal about sealing a trade deal before his visit. "If we can make the right deal, we'll do it," he told reporters.

Two US&nbsp;sources said progress had been made on proposed alterations to the medical device price caps. India's new import tariffs on medical devices, walnuts, toys, electronics and other products on Feb. 1 surprised US&nbsp;negotiators.

The new tariffs were aimed at China, which also makes medical devices, according to an Indian government source. "We have to protect our market and our companies," the source said.

India has offered to partially open up its poultry and dairy markets in a bid for a limited trade deal during US President Donald Trump's first official visit to the country this month, people familiar with the protracted talks say.

India has offered to partially open up its poultry and dairy markets in a bid for a limited trade deal during US President Donald Trump's first official visit to the country this month, people familiar with the protracted talks say. India, the world's largest milk-producing nation, has traditionally restricted dairy imports to protect the livelihoods of 80 million rural households involved in the industry. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to pull all the stops for the US president's Feb. 24-25 visit, aimed at rebuilding bonds between the world's largest democracies. In 2019, Trump suspended India's special trade designation that dated back to 1970s, after Modi put price caps on medical devices, such as cardiac stents and knee implants, and introduced new data localization requirements and e-commerce restrictions. Also read: US drops India from developing nations list barring trade benefits Trump's trip to India has raised hopes that he would restore some of the country's US trade preferences, in exchange for tariff reductions and other concessions. The United States is India's second-largest trade partner after China, and bilateral goods and services trade climbed to a record $142.6 billion in 2018. The United States had a $23.2 billion goods trade deficit in 2019 with India, its 9th largest trading partner in goods. India has offered to allow imports of US chicken legs, turkey and produce such as blueberries and cherries, Indian government sources said and has offered to cut tariffs on chicken legs from 100 per cent to 25 per cent. US negotiators want that tariff cut to 10 per cent. The Modi government is also offering to allow some access to India's dairy market, but with a 5 per cent tariff and quotas, the sources said. But dairy imports would need a certificate they are not derived from animals that have consumed feeds that include internal organs, blood meal or tissues of ruminants. New Delhi has also offered to lower its 50 per cent tariffs on very large motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson, a tax that was a particular irritant for Trump, who has labelled India the "tariff king." The change would be largely symbolic because few such motorcycles are sold in India. Trump will be feted in Modi's home state of Gujarat, then hold talks in New Delhi and attend a reception that the hosts have promised will be bigger than the one organised for former president Barack Obama in 2015. Also read: Indo-US trade deal likely during Donald Trump's India visit Enough for Lighthizer But it is far from clear whether India's offers will be enough to satisfy US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who cancelled plans for a trip to India this week. Instead, he has held telephone talks with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The US dairy industry remained sceptical on Thursday that a viable deal is at hand. "We're always looking for market access, but in terms of India, as of today I'm not aware of any real progress going on," said Michael Dykes, president of the International Dairy Foods Association and a member of USTR's agricultural trade policy advisory committee. Dykes said the US dairy industry was looking for access in viable commercial quantities. A USTR spokesman and India's trade ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Privacy law complications An Indian parliament panel is reviewing a draft data privacy law that imposes stringent controls over cross-border data flows and gives the government powers to seek user data from companies. It is not clear whether it will be passed, or in what form, but the possibilities have unnerved US companies and could raise compliance requirements for Google, Amazon.com Inc, and Facebook. The draft law is not part of the trade discussions, Indian officials say, because the issue is too difficult to resolve at the same time. "The privacy and localization piece will be raised independently and in concert with the trade discussions," said a Washington-based source with knowledge of the US administration's thinking. Trump on Tuesday was non-committal about sealing a trade deal before his visit. "If we can make the right deal, we'll do it," he told reporters. Two US sources said progress had been made on proposed alterations to the medical device price caps. India's new import tariffs on medical devices, walnuts, toys, electronics and other products on Feb. 1 surprised US negotiators. The new tariffs were aimed at China, which also makes medical devices, according to an Indian government source. "We have to protect our market and our companies," the source said.

India offers US dairy, chicken access in bid for elusive trade deal with Trump

The novel coronavirus scare has reduced the consumption of chicken in Maharashtra, with the poultry sector in the state recording over Rs 100 crore loss in the last fortnight, officials said on Thursday.

The state Animal Husbandry Department attributed the loss to the rumours doing rounds on social media that coronavirus can spread through the chicken.

"The poultry sector in Maharashtra has recorded a loss of over Rs 100 crore in the last 15 days due to the rumours and false news spread on social media," an official of the department told reporters here.

"The daily average sale of chicken earlier was around 3,500 metric tonnes. However, after the outbreak of coronavirus, the sale came down to 2,000 metric tonnes," he said.

"After the animal husbandry and other departments started spreading awareness, the daily sale of chicken has now gone up to 2,500 metric tonnes," he said.

S P Singh, Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, said the department has registered a complaint with the cyber cell of Pune police against some videos shared on the internet, which is spreading rumours linking coronavirus to chicken, and sought action against the rumour mongers.

"After the outbreak of coronavirus is China, some unscientific claims and rumours are being spread on the social media linking coronavirus to chicken," he said.

"However, the fact is that novel coronavirus is transmitted from one person to another and there is no scientific base to the claim that coronavirus in chicken is transmitted to humans," Singh added.&nbsp;

The novel coronavirus scare has reduced the consumption of chicken in Maharashtra, with the poultry sector in the state recording over Rs 100 crore loss in the last fortnight, officials said on Thursday.

The novel coronavirus scare has reduced the consumption of chicken in Maharashtra, with the poultry sector in the state recording over Rs 100 crore loss in the last fortnight, officials said on Thursday. The state Animal Husbandry Department attributed the loss to the rumours doing rounds on social media that coronavirus can spread through the chicken. "The poultry sector in Maharashtra has recorded a loss of over Rs 100 crore in the last 15 days due to the rumours and false news spread on social media," an official of the department told reporters here. "The daily average sale of chicken earlier was around 3,500 metric tonnes. However, after the outbreak of coronavirus, the sale came down to 2,000 metric tonnes," he said. "After the animal husbandry and other departments started spreading awareness, the daily sale of chicken has now gone up to 2,500 metric tonnes," he said. S P Singh, Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, said the department has registered a complaint with the cyber cell of Pune police against some videos shared on the internet, which is spreading rumours linking coronavirus to chicken, and sought action against the rumour mongers. "After the outbreak of coronavirus is China, some unscientific claims and rumours are being spread on the social media linking coronavirus to chicken," he said. "However, the fact is that novel coronavirus is transmitted from one person to another and there is no scientific base to the claim that coronavirus in chicken is transmitted to humans," Singh added.

Coronavirus: Maharashtra poultry sector faces Rs 100 crore loss in 15 days

British lawmaker Debbie Abrahams, who was denied entry to India and deported to Dubai, has run a sustained campaign against India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

Abrahams, who is an Opposition Labour Party MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, claimed she was travelling on a valid e-visa to India to visit family and friends but her visa was revoked without explanation.

MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Abrahams did not have a valid visa when she arrived at the IGI Airport here on Monday.

"When she was coming to India, she did not have a valid visa. She came here without a valid visa and with all respect, she was sent back. We believe that her views and statements are anti-India," Kumar said at a briefing when asked about her statements in favour of Pakistan.

There has been a sustained campaign from her side against India, he said.

Kumar said Abrahams claimed that she was here to meet family and friends, but even if her visa had been valid it was an e-Business visa.

"Even if we presume that she had a visa, that was issued for a business ETA and business ETA cannot be used for a primary purpose of meeting family and friends," he said.

Abrahams, who has been a vocal critic of the Indian government's abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, posted what looks like an e-visa document on Twitter to show that she had a visa issued on October 7 last year, which was valid until October 5, 2020.

However, government sources had said Abrahams' e-Business visa was revoked as she was involved in anti-India activities, and the cancellation was conveyed to her on February 14.&nbsp;

British lawmaker Debbie Abrahams, who was denied entry to India and deported to Dubai, has run a sustained campaign against India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

British lawmaker Debbie Abrahams, who was denied entry to India and deported to Dubai, has run a sustained campaign against India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. Abrahams, who is an Opposition Labour Party MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, claimed she was travelling on a valid e-visa to India to visit family and friends but her visa was revoked without explanation. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Abrahams did not have a valid visa when she arrived at the IGI Airport here on Monday. "When she was coming to India, she did not have a valid visa. She came here without a valid visa and with all respect, she was sent back. We believe that her views and statements are anti-India," Kumar said at a briefing when asked about her statements in favour of Pakistan. There has been a sustained campaign from her side against India, he said. Kumar said Abrahams claimed that she was here to meet family and friends, but even if her visa had been valid it was an e-Business visa. "Even if we presume that she had a visa, that was issued for a business ETA and business ETA cannot be used for a primary purpose of meeting family and friends," he said. Abrahams, who has been a vocal critic of the Indian government's abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, posted what looks like an e-visa document on Twitter to show that she had a visa issued on October 7 last year, which was valid until October 5, 2020. However, government sources had said Abrahams' e-Business visa was revoked as she was involved in anti-India activities, and the cancellation was conveyed to her on February 14.

UK lawmaker Debbie Abrahams ran sustained anti-India campaign: MEA

US First Lady Melania Trump is likely to visit a Delhi government school and interact with students on February 25, sources said.

US President Donald Trump, accompanied by wife Melania Trump and a high-level delegation, will arrive in Ahmedabad around noon on February 24 for a little less than 36-hour-long trip. From Ahmedabad, he will travel to Agra before arriving at the national capital for the main leg of the visit.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia are likely to give a tour of the school to the US first lady and brief her about the "happiness curriculum" introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the sources said.

The Delhi government introduced the happiness curriculum in July, 2018. As per the curriculum, students studying in classes 1-8 at Delhi government schools spend 45 minutes every day to attend "Happiness Classes" where they participate in exercises such as storytelling, meditation and question and answer sessions. Similarly, for nursery and KG students, the classes are held twice a week.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-trade-deal-with-us-india-says-dont-want-to-set-artificial-deadlines-281734">On trade deal with US, India says 'don't want to set artificial deadlines'</a>

In Ahmedabad, President Trump will address the 'Namaste Trump' event jointly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the newly built Motera cricket stadium.

After the event, the US President and the First Lady will visit Agra, where they will spend about an hour at the Taj Mahal before the sunset. President Trump will then depart for Delhi.

On the morning of February 25, Trump and the First Lady will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

From there, they will go to Rajghat to pay homage at the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi.

It will be followed by restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi at Hyderabad House.

Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch for the US president following the talks.

In the afternoon, Trump is expected to attend certain private events at the US Embassy, including a private roundtable with industry representatives.

In the evening, the US president will meet President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A banquet will be hosted by Kovind and President Trump will depart from India later that evening.&nbsp;

US First Lady Melania Trump is likely to visit a Delhi government school and interact with students on February 25, sources said. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by wife Melania Trump and a high-level delegation, will arrive in Ahmedabad around noon on February 24 for a little less than 36-hour-long trip.

US First Lady Melania Trump is likely to visit a Delhi government school and interact with students on February 25, sources said. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by wife Melania Trump and a high-level delegation, will arrive in Ahmedabad around noon on February 24 for a little less than 36-hour-long trip. From Ahmedabad, he will travel to Agra before arriving at the national capital for the main leg of the visit. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia are likely to give a tour of the school to the US first lady and brief her about the "happiness curriculum" introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the sources said. The Delhi government introduced the happiness curriculum in July, 2018. As per the curriculum, students studying in classes 1-8 at Delhi government schools spend 45 minutes every day to attend "Happiness Classes" where they participate in exercises such as storytelling, meditation and question and answer sessions. Similarly, for nursery and KG students, the classes are held twice a week. Also read: On trade deal with US, India says 'don't want to set artificial deadlines' In Ahmedabad, President Trump will address the 'Namaste Trump' event jointly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the newly built Motera cricket stadium. After the event, the US President and the First Lady will visit Agra, where they will spend about an hour at the Taj Mahal before the sunset. President Trump will then depart for Delhi. On the morning of February 25, Trump and the First Lady will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there, they will go to Rajghat to pay homage at the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi. It will be followed by restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi at Hyderabad House. Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch for the US president following the talks. In the afternoon, Trump is expected to attend certain private events at the US Embassy, including a private roundtable with industry representatives. In the evening, the US president will meet President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. A banquet will be hosted by Kovind and President Trump will depart from India later that evening.

Trump visit: US first lady likely to visit Delhi govt school, interact with students

A Nepalese newspaper on Thursday slammed Beijing for trying to muzzle free speech after it was accused of "deliberate" and "malicious" smearing by the Chinese embassy in the Himalayan nation.

The embassy had sharply criticised the Kathmandu Post on Tuesday for publishing a syndicated column which argued that China's authoritarian system of government had worsened the deadly coronavirus outbreak.

The reaction from the embassy came as China ordered three Wall Street Journal reporters to leave the country over an op-ed headline that Beijing had deemed racist, one of the country's harshest moves against foreign media in years.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-major-shift-china-sends-stern-message-to-pakistan-on-fatf-281730">In major shift, China sends stern message to Pakistan on FATF</a>

"The Chinese embassy did not just express its discontent with the article published; it went so far as to disparage the Post's Editor-in-Chief and employ threatening language," the Kathmandu Post said in an editorial.

"The undiplomatic -- and frankly menacing -- manner in which the Chinese embassy made its objections known is condemnable," it added.

"The actions of the embassy... can be perceived as a direct threat to the Nepali people's right to a free press, freedom of opinion and freedom of expression."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">Coronavirus outbreak - China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran</a>

"China can... express its reservations," the paper said. "What it cannot do, especially in a democracy, is demand that articles be taken down and then issue veiled threats against the editor of a foreign newspaper."

The commentary that sparked Chinese anger -- titled "China's secrecy has made the coronavirus crisis much worse" -- was written for the Chicago Tribune by Ivo Daalder, a former US ambassador to NATO.

The Kathmandu Post had republished the piece with an illustration of a 100 yuan note, altered to show communist China's founder Mao Zedong wearing a face mask.

The article "deliberately smeared the efforts of the Chinese government and people... and even viciously attacked the political system of China", the Chinese embassy had said.

It added that the Kathmandu Post's chief editor Anup Kaphle "has always been biased on China-related issues" and had become "a parrot of some anti-China forces".

"The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has made solemn representations to the newspaper and himself and reserves the right of further action."

Eighteen Nepali editors issued a statement Wednesday against the embassy's statement -- particularly the targeting of Kaphle.

"Nepal's constitution has guaranteed full press freedom, and we are committed to exercising and protecting it," they said.

Beijing has been wooing Nepal with pledges of development in the Himalayan nation, pumping millions of dollars into projects ranging from roads to hydropower plants.

Its embassy in Nepal has traditionally refrained from commenting on internal affairs.

A Nepalese newspaper on Thursday slammed Beijing for trying to muzzle free speech after it was accused of "deliberate" and "malicious" smearing by the Chinese embassy in the Himalayan nation.

A Nepalese newspaper on Thursday slammed Beijing for trying to muzzle free speech after it was accused of "deliberate" and "malicious" smearing by the Chinese embassy in the Himalayan nation. The embassy had sharply criticised the Kathmandu Post on Tuesday for publishing a syndicated column which argued that China's authoritarian system of government had worsened the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The reaction from the embassy came as China ordered three Wall Street Journal reporters to leave the country over an op-ed headline that Beijing had deemed racist, one of the country's harshest moves against foreign media in years. Also read: In major shift, China sends stern message to Pakistan on FATF "The Chinese embassy did not just express its discontent with the article published; it went so far as to disparage the Post's Editor-in-Chief and employ threatening language," the Kathmandu Post said in an editorial. "The undiplomatic -- and frankly menacing -- manner in which the Chinese embassy made its objections known is condemnable," it added. "The actions of the embassy... can be perceived as a direct threat to the Nepali people's right to a free press, freedom of opinion and freedom of expression." Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran "China can... express its reservations," the paper said. "What it cannot do, especially in a democracy, is demand that articles be taken down and then issue veiled threats against the editor of a foreign newspaper." The commentary that sparked Chinese anger -- titled "China's secrecy has made the coronavirus crisis much worse" -- was written for the Chicago Tribune by Ivo Daalder, a former US ambassador to NATO. The Kathmandu Post had republished the piece with an illustration of a 100 yuan note, altered to show communist China's founder Mao Zedong wearing a face mask. The article "deliberately smeared the efforts of the Chinese government and people... and even viciously attacked the political system of China", the Chinese embassy had said. It added that the Kathmandu Post's chief editor Anup Kaphle "has always been biased on China-related issues" and had become "a parrot of some anti-China forces". "The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has made solemn representations to the newspaper and himself and reserves the right of further action." Eighteen Nepali editors issued a statement Wednesday against the embassy's statement -- particularly the targeting of Kaphle. "Nepal's constitution has guaranteed full press freedom, and we are committed to exercising and protecting it," they said. Beijing has been wooing Nepal with pledges of development in the Himalayan nation, pumping millions of dollars into projects ranging from roads to hydropower plants. Its embassy in Nepal has traditionally refrained from commenting on internal affairs.

Nepal paper defiant after China slams virus criticism

Army Chief General MM Naravane on Thursday said that his force is not allowing any disruptive actions by Pakistani Army's BAT as the Army foils the attempts even before the adversary is able to launch them.

"We have been getting inputs. We have been able to foil (Pakistan Army's) BAT action attempts even before they have been able to launch them," he said while speaking to ANI.

The BAT (Border Action Team) of the Pakistan Army include both regular Army personnel and mercenaries from groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and are tasked to carry out surprise hits on Indian positions along the LoC.

General Naravane underlined that there are 15-20 terrorist camps inside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir where there are around 250-350 terrorists at any given time. The numbers may vary at different times.

Speaking about the newly proposed 'Thal Sena Bhawan' in Delhi Cantonment, the Army Chief said it will improve efficiency.

"The proposed Thal Sena Bhawan will bring all Army Headquarters offices under one roof thereby improving working efficiency while reducing carbon footprint and logistics requirements. It will also allow more family time for all soldiers tenating peace posting in Delhi," he said.

Army Chief General MM Naravane on Thursday said that his force is not allowing any disruptive actions by Pakistani Army's BAT as the Army foils the attempts even before the adversary is able to launch them.

Army Chief General MM Naravane on Thursday said that his force is not allowing any disruptive actions by Pakistani Army's BAT as the Army foils the attempts even before the adversary is able to launch them. "We have been getting inputs. We have been able to foil (Pakistan Army's) BAT action attempts even before they have been able to launch them," he said while speaking to ANI. The BAT (Border Action Team) of the Pakistan Army include both regular Army personnel and mercenaries from groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and are tasked to carry out surprise hits on Indian positions along the LoC. General Naravane underlined that there are 15-20 terrorist camps inside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir where there are around 250-350 terrorists at any given time. The numbers may vary at different times. Speaking about the newly proposed 'Thal Sena Bhawan' in Delhi Cantonment, the Army Chief said it will improve efficiency. "The proposed Thal Sena Bhawan will bring all Army Headquarters offices under one roof thereby improving working efficiency while reducing carbon footprint and logistics requirements. It will also allow more family time for all soldiers tenating peace posting in Delhi," he said.

Our men foiling BAT action even before Pakistan is able to launch them: Army chief

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a bilateral meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Sheikh Imran Abdulla on Friday and will discuss security cooperation between the two countries, officials said on Thursday.

This is for the first time Shah will meet Abdulla, who is on a four-day visit to India beginning on Thursday.

The India-Maldives bilateral meeting will be held on February 21 in which the Indian delegation will be led by Shah and the Maldivian team by Abdulla, a government official said.

Both the ministers will discuss issues related to bilateral security cooperation, the official said.

India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Except for a brief period between February 2012 and November 2018, relations between the two countries have been close, cordial and multi-dimensional.

India was among the first to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.

Proximity of Maldives to the west coast of India (it is barely 70 nautical miles away from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles away from India's West coast), and its situation at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean and its potential to allow a third nation's naval presence in the area imbues it with significant strategic importance to India.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a bilateral meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Sheikh Imran Abdulla on Friday and will discuss security cooperation between the two countries, officials said on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a bilateral meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Sheikh Imran Abdulla on Friday and will discuss security cooperation between the two countries, officials said on Thursday. This is for the first time Shah will meet Abdulla, who is on a four-day visit to India beginning on Thursday. The India-Maldives bilateral meeting will be held on February 21 in which the Indian delegation will be led by Shah and the Maldivian team by Abdulla, a government official said. Both the ministers will discuss issues related to bilateral security cooperation, the official said. India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Except for a brief period between February 2012 and November 2018, relations between the two countries have been close, cordial and multi-dimensional. India was among the first to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country. Proximity of Maldives to the west coast of India (it is barely 70 nautical miles away from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles away from India's West coast), and its situation at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean and its potential to allow a third nation's naval presence in the area imbues it with significant strategic importance to India.

Home Minister Amit Shah to hold bilateral security cooperation talks with Maldivian counterpart

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media on US President Donald's Trump upcoming visit to India.&nbsp;

Kumar gave out the tentative itinerary of Trump's India visit, explaining that his trip will broadly have three segments, starting from the Gujarati city of Ahmedabad and ending in the national capital.

"It is US President's first visit to India, it will be a standalone visit," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Kumar added that the visit will showcase the renewed intensity of interactions between the two leaders.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-36-hours-in-india-will-be-brief-but-intense-281734">Trump's 36 hours in India will be 'brief but intense'</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trumps-india-visit-divided-into-ahemdabad-agra-delhi-sectors-281748/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Both the leaders are likely to spend around 36 hours together during Trump's visit," Kumar said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;According to the MEA briefing, the US president will reach Ahmedabad on February 24 and at noon he will head to the Motera stadium for the Namaste Trump event.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Raveesh Kumar, MEA: The 'Namaste Trump' event is being organised by the Donald Trump Nagrik Abhinandan Samiti. The Samiti is taking all decisions on whom to invite. <a href="https://t.co/v0qxiHFWHL">pic.twitter.com/v0qxiHFWHL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1230446429111377920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The event is going to be similar to the 'Howdy Modi'," said Kumar. The event took place in Houston, Texas last year in the honour of PM Modi's visit to the United States.&nbsp;

Kumar added that Trump will receive a welcome which will highlight India's rich and diverse culture.

"As many as 28 stages will be set up to showcase the diverse culture from India's various states," Kumar stated.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-president-donald-trump-retweets-wions-coverage-of-his-upcoming-trip-to-india-281666">US President Donald Trump retweets WION's coverage of his upcoming trip to India</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ministry-of-external-affairs-briefing-on-trumps-india-visit-281825/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

There is a mega roadshow in place for Trump's welcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the tentative plan, the US president will emplane for Agra at around 15.30 pm IST. He sill spend a couple of hours in Agra after which he will leave for Delhi around 18.30 pm.&nbsp;

"The Delhi leg of Trump's visit will be the main day of engagements," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namaste-trump-india-to-spend-rs-15-crore-a-minute-during-us-presidents-ahmedabad-visit-281468">India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit</a>

Trump will get a ceremonial reception at 10 am in Delhi followed by him paying respects at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Delegation level talks will with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House will come next followed by the exchange of MoUs and the press statement. &nbsp;

PM Modi will host a banquet lunch for President Trump. In the evening, the US president will meet President ram Nath Kovind who will host a banquet lunch for him in the evening.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MEA: US President Trump will land in Ahmedabad around noon, from there he will go to Motera Stadium to address the 'Namaste Trump' event. The route from the airport to the stadium, we expect a large no. of people will line-up. <a href="https://t.co/ZgFJQr0sZU">https://t.co/ZgFJQr0sZU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1230441800315260928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Defence, counter-terrorism, trade, people-to-people connect are some issues that are likely to be tabled during the talks between the two leaders.&nbsp;

"The visit will showcase progress in our relations, review bilateral ties and strengthen global partnership," Kumar stated.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media on US President Donald's Trump upcoming visit to India. Kumar gave out the tentative itinerary of Trump's India visit, explaining that his trip will broadly have three segments, starting from the Gujarati city of Ahmedabad and ending in the national capital.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media on US President Donald's Trump upcoming visit to India. Kumar gave out the tentative itinerary of Trump's India visit, explaining that his trip will broadly have three segments, starting from the Gujarati city of Ahmedabad and ending in the national capital. "It is US President's first visit to India, it will be a standalone visit," Kumar said. Kumar added that the visit will showcase the renewed intensity of interactions between the two leaders. Also read: Trump's 36 hours in India will be 'brief but intense' × "Both the leaders are likely to spend around 36 hours together during Trump's visit," Kumar said. According to the MEA briefing, the US president will reach Ahmedabad on February 24 and at noon he will head to the Motera stadium for the Namaste Trump event. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: The 'Namaste Trump' event is being organised by the Donald Trump Nagrik Abhinandan Samiti. The Samiti is taking all decisions on whom to invite. pic.twitter.com/v0qxiHFWHL — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2020 × "The event is going to be similar to the 'Howdy Modi'," said Kumar. The event took place in Houston, Texas last year in the honour of PM Modi's visit to the United States. Kumar added that Trump will receive a welcome which will highlight India's rich and diverse culture. "As many as 28 stages will be set up to showcase the diverse culture from India's various states," Kumar stated. Also read: US President Donald Trump retweets WION's coverage of his upcoming trip to India × There is a mega roadshow in place for Trump's welcome. According to the tentative plan, the US president will emplane for Agra at around 15.30 pm IST. He sill spend a couple of hours in Agra after which he will leave for Delhi around 18.30 pm. "The Delhi leg of Trump's visit will be the main day of engagements," Kumar said. Also read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit Trump will get a ceremonial reception at 10 am in Delhi followed by him paying respects at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Delegation level talks will with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House will come next followed by the exchange of MoUs and the press statement. PM Modi will host a banquet lunch for President Trump. In the evening, the US president will meet President ram Nath Kovind who will host a banquet lunch for him in the evening. MEA: US President Trump will land in Ahmedabad around noon, from there he will go to Motera Stadium to address the 'Namaste Trump' event. The route from the airport to the stadium, we expect a large no. of people will line-up. https://t.co/ZgFJQr0sZU — ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2020 × Defence, counter-terrorism, trade, people-to-people connect are some issues that are likely to be tabled during the talks between the two leaders. "The visit will showcase progress in our relations, review bilateral ties and strengthen global partnership," Kumar stated.

Focus on reviewing bilateral ties, strengthening global partnership: MEA on Trump's visit

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.