India geared up to impress the visiting US President Donald Trump on his first official trip to the world's most populous democracy. The question that is on the minds of every individual is that will there be any trade or defence deals between India and US. Watch report:

What India will get out of Donald Trump?

Bernie Sanders, the front-runner for the Democratic US presidential nomination on Tuesday said instead of selling weapons to India, United States should partner on the issue of climate change with the aim of creating renewable energy and cutting air pollution.

"Instead of selling USD 3 billion in weapons to enrich Raytheon, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/latest-india-news/india-ahmedabad-us-committed-to-fight-terrorism-donald-trump-narendra-modi-282470">Boeing and Lockheed</a>, the United States should be partnering with India to fight climate change. We can work together to cut air pollution, create good renewable energy jobs, and save our planet," Sanders posted on Twitter.

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Instead of selling $3 billion in weapons to enrich Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed, the United States should be partnering with India to fight climate change. 
 
We can work together to cut air pollution, create good renewable energy jobs, and save our planet. <a href="https://t.co/nqKS2CWypT">https://t.co/nqKS2CWypT</a>
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSanders/status/1232060578115530760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His tweet comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is on his maiden official trip to India where he is expected to sign agreements.

On Monday, addressing a huge gathering at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Trump said that US will sign deals to sell over $3 billion of "absolute finest, state-of-the-art military helicopters" and other equipment to the Indian armed forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-what-makes-them-similar-yet-different-282473">PM Modi &amp; Trump: What makes them similar &amp; yet different</a>

ANI had earlier reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday gave its nod to the acquisition of 24 US-made MH-60 Romeo multi-role helicopters worth around USD 2.5 billion for the Indian Navy.

It was reported that India and US would make an announcement regarding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namaste-trump-india-us-relations-are-no-longer-just-another-partnership-says-modi-282373">MH-60 Romeo choppers</a> and the six Apache attack helicopters for the Army during the visit of American President.

Meanwhile, in the run of the election year, Sanders, the Democratic presidential hopeful has been vociferous in criticising Trump`s policies, particularly those done with strategic partners in defence sectors.

On several occasions, Sanders has also advocated cutting the US defence expenditure which he deems as preposterous.

"At a time when we have massive levels of income and wealth inequality; when half of our people are living paycheck to paycheck; when more than 500,000 Americans are homeless; and when public schools throughout the country are struggling to pay their teachers a livable salary, it is time to change our national priorities, Sander was quoted as saying by Washington Post in December 2019.

Sanders represents Vermont in the US Senate and has put forward an aggressive "green New Deal" plan to deal with climate change with a proposal to invest $16.3 trillion in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation, among other areas.

According to the Washington Post, Sanders wants to commit the country to achieving 100 per cent renewable energy for electricity and transportation by 2030, and the total decarbonization of the economy by 2050.

Sanders opposes nuclear power and plans to shut down all of nuclear power plants in the US within 10 years.

Bernie Sanders, the front-runner for the Democratic US presidential nomination on Tuesday said instead of selling weapons to India, United States should partner on the issue of climate change with the aim of creating renewable energy and cutting air pollution.

Bernie Sanders, the front-runner for the Democratic US presidential nomination on Tuesday said instead of selling weapons to India, United States should partner on the issue of climate change with the aim of creating renewable energy and cutting air pollution. "Instead of selling USD 3 billion in weapons to enrich Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed, the United States should be partnering with India to fight climate change. We can work together to cut air pollution, create good renewable energy jobs, and save our planet," Sanders posted on Twitter. Instead of selling $3 billion in weapons to enrich Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed, the United States should be partnering with India to fight climate change. We can work together to cut air pollution, create good renewable energy jobs, and save our planet. https://t.co/nqKS2CWypT — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 24, 2020 × His tweet comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is on his maiden official trip to India where he is expected to sign agreements. On Monday, addressing a huge gathering at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Trump said that US will sign deals to sell over $3 billion of "absolute finest, state-of-the-art military helicopters" and other equipment to the Indian armed forces. Also read: PM Modi & Trump: What makes them similar & yet different ANI had earlier reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday gave its nod to the acquisition of 24 US-made MH-60 Romeo multi-role helicopters worth around USD 2.5 billion for the Indian Navy. It was reported that India and US would make an announcement regarding the MH-60 Romeo choppers and the six Apache attack helicopters for the Army during the visit of American President. Meanwhile, in the run of the election year, Sanders, the Democratic presidential hopeful has been vociferous in criticising Trump`s policies, particularly those done with strategic partners in defence sectors. On several occasions, Sanders has also advocated cutting the US defence expenditure which he deems as preposterous. "At a time when we have massive levels of income and wealth inequality; when half of our people are living paycheck to paycheck; when more than 500,000 Americans are homeless; and when public schools throughout the country are struggling to pay their teachers a livable salary, it is time to change our national priorities, Sander was quoted as saying by Washington Post in December 2019. Sanders represents Vermont in the US Senate and has put forward an aggressive "green New Deal" plan to deal with climate change with a proposal to invest $16.3 trillion in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation, among other areas. According to the Washington Post, Sanders wants to commit the country to achieving 100 per cent renewable energy for electricity and transportation by 2030, and the total decarbonization of the economy by 2050. Sanders opposes nuclear power and plans to shut down all of nuclear power plants in the US within 10 years.

Partner with India to fight climate change, rather than defence: Bernie Sanders

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd.

It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India.

Successful, billionaire and a brand in himself, &nbsp;US President Donald Trump carries an aura of awe around him.

According to a Pew Research Survey, 56 per cent of Indians show confidence in the US &nbsp;President - the highest in the world. 
 
Similarities Between PM Modi &amp; US President Trump

The reason Indians love President Trump is that they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in him.

They see a confident leader - one who is capable of governing a country, someone who is not scared to put his&nbsp;country's interests first.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-a-new-dawn-for-india-us-ties-282601">Also Read: A new dawn for India-US ties</a>

And above all, Indians love the idea of a leader who is far from conventional - just like their own Prime Minister. 
 
India adores&nbsp;strong leaders and it views Trump as the perfect balance to PM Modi as New Delhi expands its global footprint.

President Trump's Policies

In the last few years, Trump has not really been India's best friend when it comes to trade or jobs. The US President has expanded aluminium and trade tariffs.

He has stripped India of its preferential trading partner status and also tightened the H1B Visa norms.

Under normal circumstances, Trump's policies would have landed him in India's bad books, but what has happened is quite the opposite.

Indians have grown all the more fond of America's Commander-in-Chief, their confidence in him has jumped from 14 &nbsp;to 56 per cent in 3 years. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;

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What Indians see in Trump is a leader who is determined to battle unemployment and fight the terror. Indians admire Trump's record of neutralising Islamic State Leader - al-Baghdadi, and son of Al-Qaeda Leader, Hamza bin Laden.

Donald Trump's narrative of combating terror, securing borders and improving his country's state of affairs brings him very close to the hearts of Indians.

These are the very promises that won Prime Minister Narendra Modi a historic mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Trump's 'Make America Great Again' promise echoes Modi's 'Acche Din'. 
 
At the end of the day, India's growing love for the US President tells the tale of the growing closeness between the two nations. 
 
The fondness grows every time Trump and Modi share another hug and every time the two leaders celebrate each other at the global stage.

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd. It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India.

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd. It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India. Successful, billionaire and a brand in himself, US President Donald Trump carries an aura of awe around him. According to a Pew Research Survey, 56 per cent of Indians show confidence in the US President - the highest in the world. Similarities Between PM Modi & US President Trump The reason Indians love President Trump is that they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in him. They see a confident leader - one who is capable of governing a country, someone who is not scared to put his country's interests first. Also Read: A new dawn for India-US ties And above all, Indians love the idea of a leader who is far from conventional - just like their own Prime Minister. India adores strong leaders and it views Trump as the perfect balance to PM Modi as New Delhi expands its global footprint. President Trump's Policies In the last few years, Trump has not really been India's best friend when it comes to trade or jobs. The US President has expanded aluminium and trade tariffs. He has stripped India of its preferential trading partner status and also tightened the H1B Visa norms. Under normal circumstances, Trump's policies would have landed him in India's bad books, but what has happened is quite the opposite. Indians have grown all the more fond of America's Commander-in-Chief, their confidence in him has jumped from 14 to 56 per cent in 3 years. WATCH: × What Indians see in Trump is a leader who is determined to battle unemployment and fight the terror. Indians admire Trump's record of neutralising Islamic State Leader - al-Baghdadi, and son of Al-Qaeda Leader, Hamza bin Laden. Donald Trump's narrative of combating terror, securing borders and improving his country's state of affairs brings him very close to the hearts of Indians. These are the very promises that won Prime Minister Narendra Modi a historic mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Trump's 'Make America Great Again' promise echoes Modi's 'Acche Din'. At the end of the day, India's growing love for the US President tells the tale of the growing closeness between the two nations. The fondness grows every time Trump and Modi share another hug and every time the two leaders celebrate each other at the global stage.

Here's why Indians love US President Donald Trump

The expanding defence partnership is now a significant pillar in the Indo-American ties. India's defence engagement with America is touching new heights, there might be stumbling blocks on the trade front, but there is steady progress on defence deals.

During Donald Trump's visit, India has signed to two key contracts - First, New Delhi is buying 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters worth 2.6 billion dollars.

Another contract for six Apache helicopters has been signed as well.

India and America are stepping up their defence cooperation - the US now conducts the maximum number of military exercises with India. Last year, India and America conducted their first land, sea and air exercise.

In the last century, the picture was quite different - India was largely dependent on the erstwhile Soviet Union for its arms supplies.

Even today, a lot of the Indian defence arsenal dates back to that era. While Russia still remains an ally, India is buying more American arms. In 11 years, India's defence purchases from America has gone from zero to 18 billion in 2019.&nbsp;

America and India share concerns about Beijing's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Ports built by China, which are part of the Belt and Road initiative, have sprung up in the Indian subcontinent.

It's one of the major reasons why India and America are expanding their defence ties. There is an increased focus on interoperability. or the ability of defence forces on both sides to work together. 
&nbsp; 
Despite the close relationship, some issues remain - America was miffed when India decided to ink a deal with Russia to buy the S-400 missile defence system.

So far, the Americans have managed to put their concerns aside and work with India.

Considering Prime Minister Modi's personal chemistry with Donald Trump, India is in a position to maintain a strong defence partnership with the United States.

The expanding defence partnership is now a significant pillar in the Indo-American ties. India's defence engagement with America is touching new heights, there might be stumbling blocks on the trade front, but there is steady progress on defence deals.

The expanding defence partnership is now a significant pillar in the Indo-American ties. India's defence engagement with America is touching new heights, there might be stumbling blocks on the trade front, but there is steady progress on defence deals. During Donald Trump's visit, India has signed to two key contracts - First, New Delhi is buying 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters worth 2.6 billion dollars. Another contract for six Apache helicopters has been signed as well. India and America are stepping up their defence cooperation - the US now conducts the maximum number of military exercises with India. Last year, India and America conducted their first land, sea and air exercise. In the last century, the picture was quite different - India was largely dependent on the erstwhile Soviet Union for its arms supplies. Even today, a lot of the Indian defence arsenal dates back to that era. While Russia still remains an ally, India is buying more American arms. In 11 years, India's defence purchases from America has gone from zero to 18 billion in 2019. America and India share concerns about Beijing's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Ports built by China, which are part of the Belt and Road initiative, have sprung up in the Indian subcontinent. It's one of the major reasons why India and America are expanding their defence ties. There is an increased focus on interoperability. or the ability of defence forces on both sides to work together. Despite the close relationship, some issues remain - America was miffed when India decided to ink a deal with Russia to buy the S-400 missile defence system. So far, the Americans have managed to put their concerns aside and work with India. Considering Prime Minister Modi's personal chemistry with Donald Trump, India is in a position to maintain a strong defence partnership with the United States.

Expanding defence partnership a significant pillar in Indo-US ties

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-countries-to-be-happy-and-healthy-says-trump-on-coronavirus-outbreak-282646">Trump</a> during his final press conference with reporters on Tuesday evening said he spoke to PM Modi on religious freedom while steering clear of the Citizenship (Amendement) Act(CAA) issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-wireless-network-should-not-be-conduit-of-suppression-censorship-says-trump-taking-a-dig-at-china-282662">Also Read:&nbsp;5G wireless network should not be conduit of suppression &amp; censorship, says Trump</a>

"We did talk about religious freedom. I will say that the Prime Minister was incredible and he told me that he wants people to have religious freedom. He told me that in India they have worked very hard to have great and open religious freedom. If we look back and look at what's going relative to other places...They have really worked hard on religious freedom," Trump said.

When asked about protests over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protests-10-dead-in-clashes-section-144-imposed-in-parts-of-north-east-delhi-282704">CAA</a> in Delhi, the US president said: "As far as the individual attacks, I heard about it, but I didn't discuss that with him. That's up to India."

The US president said he would not like to discuss the issue while adding, "hopefully they are going to make the right decision for their people. That's really up to India."

The US president once again repeated his offer to mediate on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anything-i-can-do-to-mediate-have-great-relations-with-pm-modi-and-imran-khan-trump-on-kashmir-282715"> Kashmir s</a>aying, "We talked a lot about Pakistan with PM Modi. It's no question, it's a problem, but it's a problem they have, they're working on it."

"I'll do whatever I have to do if I can do that because my relationship with both gentlemen is so good."

"We're seeing what we can do about it, anything I can do to mediate, anything I can do to help, I would do. They're working on Kashmir."

"There are two sides to every story but they've been working on that very hard," the US president added.

President Trump during his final press conference with reporters on Tuesday evening said he spoke to PM Modi on religious freedom while steering clear of the Citizenship (Amendement) Act(CAA) issue.

President Trump during his final press conference with reporters on Tuesday evening said he spoke to PM Modi on religious freedom while steering clear of the Citizenship (Amendement) Act(CAA) issue. Also Read: 5G wireless network should not be conduit of suppression & censorship, says Trump "We did talk about religious freedom. I will say that the Prime Minister was incredible and he told me that he wants people to have religious freedom. He told me that in India they have worked very hard to have great and open religious freedom. If we look back and look at what's going relative to other places...They have really worked hard on religious freedom," Trump said. When asked about protests over CAA in Delhi, the US president said: "As far as the individual attacks, I heard about it, but I didn't discuss that with him. That's up to India." The US president said he would not like to discuss the issue while adding, "hopefully they are going to make the right decision for their people. That's really up to India." The US president once again repeated his offer to mediate on Kashmir saying, "We talked a lot about Pakistan with PM Modi. It's no question, it's a problem, but it's a problem they have, they're working on it." "I'll do whatever I have to do if I can do that because my relationship with both gentlemen is so good." "We're seeing what we can do about it, anything I can do to mediate, anything I can do to help, I would do. They're working on Kashmir." "There are two sides to every story but they've been working on that very hard," the US president added.

Trump brings up religious freedom issue with PM Modi, sidesteps CAA

Donald Trump Addresses Media in his two day visit of India. He talks about religious freedom.Trump Said, PM Modi always want religious freedom in his Country.

US President Addresses Media, Talks about Religious Freedom

Massive crowds, enthusiastic statements and cheerful dances and songs were the highlights of Donald Trump's first day of India visit. The leaders of both nations PM Modi and Trump greatly praised each other and stressed on strong Indo-US ties. Trump spoke on defence, terrorism and a lot more. So here are the takeaways from day one of Trump's India trip.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/latest-india-news/ddlj-spinning-charkha-and-garba-dance-five-developments-from-donald-trumps-india-visit-so-far-narendra-modi-282417">DDLJ, spinning charkha and Garba dance: Five developments from Donald Trump's India visit so far</a>

1. 3 billion dollars defence deal

Addressing a huge rally at Motera stadium, Trump said that the US is keen on selling India with some of the best and most feared military equipment. He also said that a 3 billion USD defence deal would be signed tomorrow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-what-makes-them-similar-yet-different-282473">PM Modi &amp; Trump: What makes them similar &amp; yet different</a>

2. Fight against terrorism

Trump also said that both countries are committed to fighting terrorism, adding that his administration is working with Pakistan to crack down on terror groups. "The United States and India are also firmly united in our iron-clad resolve to defend our citizens from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism," Trump said. He also said that both countries have suffered the pain and turmoil caused by terrorism.

3. 'Fantastic' trade deal

Before starting his visit, Washington said that the trade deal is will not be signed during the US president's visit. Some comments from the US also suggested that trade tensions are not likely to ease anytime soon. However, during his speech, Trump said that both the US and India are in the early stages of discussion on the trade deal to reduce investment barriers. Trump hoped that US and India could pull off a "fantastic trade" deal. He also described PM Modi as "tough negotiator".

4. Long Live India-US partnership

Trump greatly praised PM Modi and described him as "tremendously successful leader". He also said that India is a "miracle of a democracy" and a "tale of astounding progress". PM Modi, in his speech, drew parallels between India US, saying&nbsp;the former taking pride in 'Statue of Liberty' and India in 'Statue of Unity'. Remembering his 'Howdi Modi' event, PM Modi said now India is welcoming Trump with 'Namaste Trump'. PM also raised slogans of "Long live, India-US relations". &nbsp; &nbsp;

5. Trump-Modi camaraderie

Trump's visit to India once again highlighted that even though both nations have trade and other important issues that need immediate attention, still personal relations between both Trump and Modi remain untouched.

Trump recognised PM Modi's humble beginnings and described him as a "living proof" that through hard work and devotion, Indians could achieve anything. Trump also lauded Modi for making significant reforms in the country. PM Modi also referred to Trump as "my friend, India's friend".

Before the visit too, Trump told reporters that the US is not treated well by India but he likes PM Modi a lot. &nbsp;

Massive crowds, enthusiastic statements and cheerful dances and songs were the highlights of Donald Trump's first day of India visit. The leaders of both nations PM Modi and Trump greatly praised each other and stressed on strong Indo-US ties.

Massive crowds, enthusiastic statements and cheerful dances and songs were the highlights of Donald Trump's first day of India visit. The leaders of both nations PM Modi and Trump greatly praised each other and stressed on strong Indo-US ties. Trump spoke on defence, terrorism and a lot more. So here are the takeaways from day one of Trump's India trip. Also read: DDLJ, spinning charkha and Garba dance: Five developments from Donald Trump's India visit so far 1. 3 billion dollars defence deal Addressing a huge rally at Motera stadium, Trump said that the US is keen on selling India with some of the best and most feared military equipment. He also said that a 3 billion USD defence deal would be signed tomorrow. Also read: PM Modi & Trump: What makes them similar & yet different 2. Fight against terrorism Trump also said that both countries are committed to fighting terrorism, adding that his administration is working with Pakistan to crack down on terror groups. "The United States and India are also firmly united in our iron-clad resolve to defend our citizens from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism," Trump said. He also said that both countries have suffered the pain and turmoil caused by terrorism. 3. 'Fantastic' trade deal Before starting his visit, Washington said that the trade deal is will not be signed during the US president's visit. Some comments from the US also suggested that trade tensions are not likely to ease anytime soon. However, during his speech, Trump said that both the US and India are in the early stages of discussion on the trade deal to reduce investment barriers. Trump hoped that US and India could pull off a "fantastic trade" deal. He also described PM Modi as "tough negotiator". 4. Long Live India-US partnership Trump greatly praised PM Modi and described him as "tremendously successful leader". He also said that India is a "miracle of a democracy" and a "tale of astounding progress". PM Modi, in his speech, drew parallels between India US, saying the former taking pride in 'Statue of Liberty' and India in 'Statue of Unity'. Remembering his 'Howdi Modi' event, PM Modi said now India is welcoming Trump with 'Namaste Trump'. PM also raised slogans of "Long live, India-US relations". 5. Trump-Modi camaraderie Trump's visit to India once again highlighted that even though both nations have trade and other important issues that need immediate attention, still personal relations between both Trump and Modi remain untouched. Trump recognised PM Modi's humble beginnings and described him as a "living proof" that through hard work and devotion, Indians could achieve anything. Trump also lauded Modi for making significant reforms in the country. PM Modi also referred to Trump as "my friend, India's friend". Before the visit too, Trump told reporters that the US is not treated well by India but he likes PM Modi a lot.

Five key takeaways from day 1 of Donald Trump's India trip

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe.&nbsp;

This camaraderie has come full circle with 'Namaste Trump', where Trump’s opening remarks are seemingly manifested in his, “… America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”Such emphatic words are not entirely uncommon in Trump’s oration. However, the understated importance that his words carry for India and the Indian- American diaspora in this backdrop is laced with ambivalence. &nbsp;

The point of interest, in his speech at Motera, is when he can be heard saying, “In America, we have come to know of the splendour of Indian culture through its 4 million Indian-Americans living in the United States. They are truly spectacular people. Indian Americans enrich every aspect of our national life. They are titans of business, pioneers of Science, masters of art, innovation and technology.” The Trump-Modi show, without a doubt, has loomed larger than life, but the underlined question remains: Who and what are both Modi and Trump, openly serenading? Answer to this stays with the political capital that the Indian- American diaspora brings to US-India ties.&nbsp;

A value analysis of the diaspora optics makes for a moot point, in that, for a developing-world country like India, to be able to even get into the game of even, with the most enterprising nation in the world is in itself a huge plus for New Delhi and its current dispensation, catapulting Modi to a higher political stratosphere.&nbsp;

In Howdy, Modi, the optics and crowd size appeared to be Trump’s main motivations to take the unprecedented step of attending a large ethnic rally for a foreign leader. In the same fashion, Namaste Trump follows suit, in what appears as though Indian side thinks of the optics (and) the event mobilisation as something of a deliverable.&nbsp;

The Modi rally in Houston was an opportunity for Trump to present himself as a supporter of legal immigrants while opposing illegal immigration - "We are proud to have you as Americans," Trump said, praising the Indian diaspora for accepting American values. This, I think, makes for an interesting observation. He seems to send across a view of holding this diaspora as the kind of immigrants he would like for America. Indian Americans comprise the second biggest sub-group of Asian immigrants after the Chinese. According to the Pew Research Centre, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US, with a median income of $100,000, which is almost double that of the national median, and also the highest of any ethnic group in the US. &nbsp;

Stands in juxtaposition to Trump’s glorification of the Indian-American diaspora is his immigration policies. 'Namaste Trump' which was predicated on 'Howdy Modi', has garnered enough pomp, but has it managed to walk the talk, is something one needs to closely understand. The Indian-American community is currently suffering the brunt of the US’ tightened policy on the H1B visa, a non-immigrant document for temporary workers, of which they are the largest beneficiary – nearly 76 per cent of all H1B holders are Indian. In addition to it, Trump’s affirmations to revoke the H-4 work permit for the spouses of H1B visa holders, which will render thousands of Indians unable to work in the US.&nbsp;

A sharp decline in US visas provided to highly skilled workers can be seen affecting the diaspora adversely. The point of contention here is, Trump’s rhetoric of pitting one “model” minority against another does not and will not bode well with the community. Trump has billed Asians and Indians as model minorities who were “skilled” and had entered the country the legal way, as opposed to others, mostly from Central and Latin America, who did so illegally.&nbsp;

That said, there is enough reason to believe that a bulk of the Indian-American community loves Modi, as evidenced by how actively the community supported him earlier this year when he was seeking re-election. As US citizens, they could not vote, but that did not stop them from campaigning hard, with some travelling to India. In trying to tie the two subsets together with an overarching structure, it compels us to look at the diaspora diplomacy in the backdrop of a larger Modi-Trump narrative vis-à-vis Indian – Americans as agents of mobilisation. 
 
Both 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', have all the bearings of a changing world order that’s marked more by symbiotic compulsions rather than a Big Brother’s one-upmanship that the globe is currently witnessing. Since Indian-Americans are overwhelmingly a Democrat, the fact that they can be supportive of Hindu supremacists while dissenting against right-wing White Supremacists (in the US) is telling of a diaspora who is not overtly subservient to the larger politics at play. &nbsp;

Add to that, a programme arranged entirely by and for the Indian diaspora in America, to offer a public podium to a visiting prime minister, had well and truly transcended the protocol-bound, dogmatic plane of diplomacy and immersed itself into a celebration of Indo-US ties, whereby, the holders of the highest public offices in the world’s largest and oldest democracies not only walked in terms of their shared concerns for areas of common interests, but were also seen holding hands, literally, for much of their public appearance together. 
 
All is not white and black for this subgroup, but due credit can be attested to the diaspora, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring their status quo and keeping at it, while the future inroads and crossroads made with events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' dictate a different tomorrow for India-US ties. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe.

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe. This camaraderie has come full circle with 'Namaste Trump', where Trump’s opening remarks are seemingly manifested in his, “… America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”Such emphatic words are not entirely uncommon in Trump’s oration. However, the understated importance that his words carry for India and the Indian- American diaspora in this backdrop is laced with ambivalence. The point of interest, in his speech at Motera, is when he can be heard saying, “In America, we have come to know of the splendour of Indian culture through its 4 million Indian-Americans living in the United States. They are truly spectacular people. Indian Americans enrich every aspect of our national life. They are titans of business, pioneers of Science, masters of art, innovation and technology.” The Trump-Modi show, without a doubt, has loomed larger than life, but the underlined question remains: Who and what are both Modi and Trump, openly serenading? Answer to this stays with the political capital that the Indian- American diaspora brings to US-India ties. A value analysis of the diaspora optics makes for a moot point, in that, for a developing-world country like India, to be able to even get into the game of even, with the most enterprising nation in the world is in itself a huge plus for New Delhi and its current dispensation, catapulting Modi to a higher political stratosphere. In Howdy, Modi, the optics and crowd size appeared to be Trump’s main motivations to take the unprecedented step of attending a large ethnic rally for a foreign leader. In the same fashion, Namaste Trump follows suit, in what appears as though Indian side thinks of the optics (and) the event mobilisation as something of a deliverable. The Modi rally in Houston was an opportunity for Trump to present himself as a supporter of legal immigrants while opposing illegal immigration - "We are proud to have you as Americans," Trump said, praising the Indian diaspora for accepting American values. This, I think, makes for an interesting observation. He seems to send across a view of holding this diaspora as the kind of immigrants he would like for America. Indian Americans comprise the second biggest sub-group of Asian immigrants after the Chinese. According to the Pew Research Centre, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US, with a median income of $100,000, which is almost double that of the national median, and also the highest of any ethnic group in the US. Stands in juxtaposition to Trump’s glorification of the Indian-American diaspora is his immigration policies. 'Namaste Trump' which was predicated on 'Howdy Modi', has garnered enough pomp, but has it managed to walk the talk, is something one needs to closely understand. The Indian-American community is currently suffering the brunt of the US’ tightened policy on the H1B visa, a non-immigrant document for temporary workers, of which they are the largest beneficiary – nearly 76 per cent of all H1B holders are Indian. In addition to it, Trump’s affirmations to revoke the H-4 work permit for the spouses of H1B visa holders, which will render thousands of Indians unable to work in the US. A sharp decline in US visas provided to highly skilled workers can be seen affecting the diaspora adversely. The point of contention here is, Trump’s rhetoric of pitting one “model” minority against another does not and will not bode well with the community. Trump has billed Asians and Indians as model minorities who were “skilled” and had entered the country the legal way, as opposed to others, mostly from Central and Latin America, who did so illegally. That said, there is enough reason to believe that a bulk of the Indian-American community loves Modi, as evidenced by how actively the community supported him earlier this year when he was seeking re-election. As US citizens, they could not vote, but that did not stop them from campaigning hard, with some travelling to India. In trying to tie the two subsets together with an overarching structure, it compels us to look at the diaspora diplomacy in the backdrop of a larger Modi-Trump narrative vis-à-vis Indian – Americans as agents of mobilisation. Both 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', have all the bearings of a changing world order that’s marked more by symbiotic compulsions rather than a Big Brother’s one-upmanship that the globe is currently witnessing. Since Indian-Americans are overwhelmingly a Democrat, the fact that they can be supportive of Hindu supremacists while dissenting against right-wing White Supremacists (in the US) is telling of a diaspora who is not overtly subservient to the larger politics at play. Add to that, a programme arranged entirely by and for the Indian diaspora in America, to offer a public podium to a visiting prime minister, had well and truly transcended the protocol-bound, dogmatic plane of diplomacy and immersed itself into a celebration of Indo-US ties, whereby, the holders of the highest public offices in the world’s largest and oldest democracies not only walked in terms of their shared concerns for areas of common interests, but were also seen holding hands, literally, for much of their public appearance together. All is not white and black for this subgroup, but due credit can be attested to the diaspora, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring their status quo and keeping at it, while the future inroads and crossroads made with events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' dictate a different tomorrow for India-US ties. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Diaspora dynamics in 'Howdy Modi' to 'Namaste Trump'

US President Donald Trump spoke to the media after India-US bilateral talks. He said, "Earlier today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than $3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache & MH-60 Romeo Helicopters - finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities."

Trump-Modi meet: Donald Trump confirms $3 BN helicopter deal

Melania Trump attends 'Happiness class', receives a traditional tilaka | WION News | World News Melania attended happiness classes at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School, an educational program implemented by the Delhi government for students first through eight grades.

Melania Trump attends 'Happiness class', receives a traditional tilaka

Indo-US Joint Statement: Indian Oil-Exxonmobil MoU announced | India-US Ties | PM Modi India is the world’s third-largest oil importer and the fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The country is a key Asian refining hub, with an installed capacity of more than 249.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) through 23 refineries.

Indo-US Joint Statement: Indian Oil-Exxonmobil MoU announced | India-US Ties | PM Modi

US First lady MelaniaTrump reaches Delhi govt school | WION News | World News Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held talks at the Hyderabad House. Meanwhile, US First Lady Melania Trump is attending 'Happiness Class' programme at a Delhi school.

US First lady Melania Trump reaches Delhi govt school

Responding to India's growing concern about terrorism emanating from Pakistan soil, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his country was working ''productively'' with Pakistan to confront terrorists operating&nbsp;on its soil. 
&nbsp; 
''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,'' Trump said.

India and the United States also held discussions on the importance of a secure 5G wireless network.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/latest-india-news/india-ahmedabad-us-committed-to-fight-terrorism-donald-trump-narendra-modi-282470">India, US committed to fighting terrorism, says President Trump</a>

''We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the 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 and censorship,'' he said.

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US President Donald Trump: 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. <a href="https://t.co/DFrZZO8wjR">pic.twitter.com/DFrZZO8wjR</a>
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The US has been trying to dissuade countries against using&nbsp;Chinese telecom giant Huawei's 5G equipments. The US has also accused the Chinese company of spying for the Chinese government and said its equipments posed a security risk.&nbsp;

India and the US also signed a defence deal worth $ 3 billion on the occasion.&nbsp;

''We expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than US$ 3 Bn of advanced American military equipment, including Apache &amp; MH-60 Romeo Helicopters. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities,'' Trump said.

Both Trump and Modi also sounded optimistic about a trade deal between the two countries.&nbsp;

''Our commerce ministers have had positive talks on trade. Both of us have decided that our teams should give legal shape to these trade talks. We also agreed to open negotiations on a big trade deal,'' Modi said.

Modi further said that India and the US have resolved to step up efforts to make those who support terrorism, responsible.

''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 US is an important aspect of our partnership,'' Modi said.

Responding to India's growing concern about terrorism emanating from Pakistan soil, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his country was working ''productively'' with Pakistan to confront terrorists operating on its soil.

Responding to India's growing concern about terrorism emanating from Pakistan soil, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his country was working ''productively'' with Pakistan to confront terrorists operating on its soil. ''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,'' Trump said. India and the United States also held discussions on the importance of a secure 5G wireless network. Also read: India, US committed to fighting terrorism, says President Trump ''We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the 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 and censorship,'' he said. US President Donald Trump: 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. pic.twitter.com/DFrZZO8wjR — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020 × The US has been trying to dissuade countries against using Chinese telecom giant Huawei's 5G equipments. The US has also accused the Chinese company of spying for the Chinese government and said its equipments posed a security risk. India and the US also signed a defence deal worth $ 3 billion on the occasion. ''We expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than US$ 3 Bn of advanced American military equipment, including Apache & MH-60 Romeo Helicopters. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities,'' Trump said. Both Trump and Modi also sounded optimistic about a trade deal between the two countries. ''Our commerce ministers have had positive talks on trade. Both of us have decided that our teams should give legal shape to these trade talks. We also agreed to open negotiations on a big trade deal,'' Modi said. Modi further said that India and the US have resolved to step up efforts to make those who support terrorism, responsible. ''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 US is an important aspect of our partnership,'' Modi said.

US working 'productively' with Pakistan to confront terrorists operating on its soil: Trump 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump, into the Hyderabad House where the two world leaders are scheduled to hold talks on business.

PM Narendra Modi receives Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Hyderabad House

US President's Donald Trump two-day India visit is not just about theatrics but India and US are also looking at signing pacts in areas of defence deals, intellectual property rights, nuclear power cooperation, homeland security etc. Watch report:

What will be the outcome of Modi-Trump meet, Trade, Defence and much more

US President Donald Trump has met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Both the leaders have seated themselves for the bilateral talks which will continue for one and half hour. Watch WION's exclusive report on Trump's India visit.

WION exclusive report on Trump's India visit | Bilateral talks begin | Hyderabad House

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke with South Asia Bureau chief for Financial Times Amy Kazmin on Donald Trump's India visit.

WION exclusive conversation with Amy Kazmin on Trump's India visit

Melania attended happiness classes at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School, an educational program implemented by the Delhi government for students first through eight grades. Post happiness Curriculum, #FLOTUS interacts with the students and told that 'it's her first visit to India and she is very delightful for such a warm welcome'

Melania Trump interacts with school students post 'Happiness Class' | FLOTUS Speech

FLOTUS appreciates Delhi govt's 'Happiness Curriculum' | WION News | World News Melania attended happiness classes at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School, an educational program implemented by the Delhi government for students first through eight grades.

FLOTUS appreciates Delhi govt's 'Happiness Curriculum'

When US President Donald Trump came to power in 2016, he was the ultimate outsider. A reality TV star who found himself running one of the most powerful nations in the world.

Britain hosted a lavish state dinner at the Buckingham Palace for the Trumps - the classic British way to make any leader feel special.

The French invited Trump for Bastille Day which was quite effective. The parade inspired Trump to host one for himself in America-Japan invited Trump to become the first foreign leader to visit their new emperor.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is following the same playbook. A huge crowd gathered at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad for the 'Namaste Trump' event.

Are we witnessing a new chapter in Indo-American ties? The jury is still out on that. But, now is the best time to expand this relationship.&nbsp;

America and India agree that China needs to be contained. China's economy is on the backfoot and Beijing is preoccupied with the coronavirus.

WATCH: What's the future of India-US ties 
&nbsp;

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It gives a small window of opportunity to both sides. There is a growing partnership, both in defence cooperation, as well as, arms trade.

Both sides have the same position on the range of issues, whether its the Indo-Pacific or China, or even South Asia as a whole.

India has received steady support from America on the issue of terrorism. A deeper Indo-US relationship makes a lot of sense. But, several complications stand in the way.

First, we have the trade situation - just like China, India too has found itself on the bitter end of Trump's 'America First' plans.

This has put the trade relationship under threat. America's on-off&nbsp;relationship with Pakistan irks India. In recent months, Trump has leaned on Imran Khan for a peace deal in Afghanistan.

Just before leaving for India, the American President Donald Trump said he is ready to sign a deal with the Taliban - something that is apparently being negotiated from Islamabad.

Despite the concerns, India has gone all out to throw a grand reception for Trump.

The events of today overshadow all previous state visits by American President to India.

It signals that New Delhi is willing to work with America for the long term. Is Trump willing to deal? that remains to be seen.

This state visit is an opportunity for both sides to come up with a strategy to re-shape not only their relationship but the geopolitics of the 21st century.

There is immense scope, but both sides need to find a way to work together. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

When US President Donald Trump came to power in 2016, he was the ultimate outsider. A reality TV star who found himself running one of the most powerful nations in the world.

When US President Donald Trump came to power in 2016, he was the ultimate outsider. A reality TV star who found himself running one of the most powerful nations in the world. Britain hosted a lavish state dinner at the Buckingham Palace for the Trumps - the classic British way to make any leader feel special. The French invited Trump for Bastille Day which was quite effective. The parade inspired Trump to host one for himself in America-Japan invited Trump to become the first foreign leader to visit their new emperor. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is following the same playbook. A huge crowd gathered at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad for the 'Namaste Trump' event. Are we witnessing a new chapter in Indo-American ties? The jury is still out on that. But, now is the best time to expand this relationship. America and India agree that China needs to be contained. China's economy is on the backfoot and Beijing is preoccupied with the coronavirus. WATCH: What's the future of India-US ties × It gives a small window of opportunity to both sides. There is a growing partnership, both in defence cooperation, as well as, arms trade. Both sides have the same position on the range of issues, whether its the Indo-Pacific or China, or even South Asia as a whole. India has received steady support from America on the issue of terrorism. A deeper Indo-US relationship makes a lot of sense. But, several complications stand in the way. First, we have the trade situation - just like China, India too has found itself on the bitter end of Trump's 'America First' plans. This has put the trade relationship under threat. America's on-off relationship with Pakistan irks India. In recent months, Trump has leaned on Imran Khan for a peace deal in Afghanistan. Just before leaving for India, the American President Donald Trump said he is ready to sign a deal with the Taliban - something that is apparently being negotiated from Islamabad. Despite the concerns, India has gone all out to throw a grand reception for Trump. The events of today overshadow all previous state visits by American President to India. It signals that New Delhi is willing to work with America for the long term. Is Trump willing to deal? that remains to be seen. This state visit is an opportunity for both sides to come up with a strategy to re-shape not only their relationship but the geopolitics of the 21st century. There is immense scope, but both sides need to find a way to work together. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: A new dawn for India-US ties

US President Donald Trump touched upon various topics, including trade and terrorism, during his speech at the 'Namaste Trump' event in Ahmedabad. Watch Arun Singh's, Former Ambassador to the United States, analysis.

Video Analysis: Key takeaways from US President Donald Trump's address at 'Namaste Trump' event

Much of the global attention is centred on the United States President Donald Trump’s maiden visit to India from 24-25 February. With a commitment to promote “Major Defense Partnership”, the India-US relations is being envisioned with the changing course of Indo-Pacific narrative. Centred around the “free, open and inclusive” Indo-Pacific construct, both sides aim to advance their partnership to defend a rules-based order that stands increasingly tested at present ahead of China’s assertive rise. 

The defence of the rules-based order in Indo-Pacific is a gigantic task as it will be heavily dependent on a futuristic robust India-US Indo-Pacific partnership. A relationship that is often perceived as the custodian guardian of the free or democratic world, India and the US would require a concrete action plan to follow it through. The quest for wealth, welfare and win – the three key W’s - should be their guiding light. More specifically, attention will be diverted to ensuring energy, civil nuclear cooperation, intellectual property rights, homeland security and science and space technology. Creating a wealth of strategic infrastructure, defending democratic regimes that would promote the welfare for a free-thinking world, and the win-win strategy to defend their respective national security interests through a stronger defence partnership would be key to India-US Indo-Pacific partnership. 

This trip by the US President is principally significant because it is almost the end of Trump’s term as the President of the US and while he has visited most of its allies in Asia, India has been conspicuously absent from that list. Trade has also remained an obstacle in their relations, with the recent removal of India from the US’s special trade status under the Generalised System of Preferences&nbsp;(GSP), to which India retaliated by imposing tariffs on many American exports. An array of such trade differences – ranging from tariff barriers, agricultural, medical trading and e-commerce – have dimmed whatever possibilities there were for a trade deal. While these issues are not unmanageable, it requires quite some strategic long-term rationalization.

Once an isolated economy, China at present has emerged to be the most integrated economy in the world. Beijing emerging as a neo-imperialist power is no more a remote possibility, considering the multibillion-dollar investments in transportation, port building and infrastructure building that Xi Jinping’s China has been making voraciously. Each of the these invites merits of discussion between India and the US, given their respective strategic interest that have been at stake with China’s rising profile in Indo-Pacific. 

The expansion of Chinese foreign trade across the Indo-Pacific is one important chapter that India-US partnership needs to take cognizance of. Under the flagship Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), Chinese capital and enterprises have influenced the democratic regimes in Indo-Pacific through attractive financial packages and investments. Such a development that is increasingly testing the free world thinking in Indo-Pacific must encourage India and the US to have an envisioned cooperation that will promote economic partnership with pro-democratic regimes in the region. 

Under President Donald Trump, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has pursued a concentrated effort to launch a number of initiatives. Indeed, the last few years have witnessed Trump’s Indo-Pacific outlook getting enhanced through both government and private wide initiatives – such as the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), the Infrastructure Transaction and Assistant Network (ITAN) and the Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (AsiaEdge), ARIA, Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative and the Blue-Dot Network. The USTDA seems pretty active in taking initiatives that tend to challenge the BRI. 

Guised as policies shaped solely with the outlook of fulfilling the region’s demand for quality infrastructure, these American official policies are the defining focus of the US official clap-back to the Chinese initiatives in the region. More importantly, the USTDA, as the official arm of the America’s infrastructure development programs in Indo-Pacific, exhibits a leadership foresight. Such leadership foresight comes as the first line of defense against competition from rival economies in the region such as China. However, to what extent can New Delhi collaborate and extract benefits from such initiatives requires deeper planning. This actually becomes more pertinent when we observe the strong reservations the Indian government has been holding against the BRI for the longest time. More importantly with opportunities aplenty, New Delhi must decide if such a cooperation with the US is better forged bilaterally, or multilaterally with other like-minded countries. 

From India’s point of view, these official American initiatives should not constrain but unlock new opportunities to pursue its strategic interests in the region. The Blue Dot Network (BDN) that has arrived more from the conglomeration of both private-public investment cooperation should equally open the scope of cooperation for India. As a multi-stake holder initiative, the Blue Dot Network brings together the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in a public-private partnership model. 

Since economic pursuit seems to be the make or break factor in India-US ties, holding more concrete meetings between political representatives should accord priority to address the ever-enlarging disputes on economic domain between the two sides. India could easily initiate this step, and it could be symbolic too – a counter to Trump calling India the “tariff king” and accusing it of always dragging its feet when it comes to trade deals. 

An action plan that aims to promote quality infrastructure and connectivity in Indo-Pacific should encourage a concrete discussion between India and the US during Trump’s visit. Many might see India’s partaking in the Blue-Dot Network as an overture equivalent to accepting or partaking in America’s alliance network. Such a decision should not however override India’s national security interests, which stand challenged by China’s revisionist initiatives in the region, be it from port building networks to maritime bases. Therefore, a soft partaking for India with the Blue-Dot Network should be explored during Trump’s visit to India. 

Not to overlook, the Blue-Dot Network echoes the strategic intent that the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the United States) process would like to promote in the region. As a business extension, it replicates Barack Obama’s vision that the US promoted through the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the ‘pivot to Asia’ strategy. India was emerging as a key partner for the US in the ‘pivot to Asia’ strategy, even though New Delhi was never considered to be a part of the TPP framework of economic partnership. However, now, the post TPP and the post Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) period has built an appropriate strategic context for the US and India to have a renewed concrete bilateral understanding on these issues. India can take its time; it neither has to formally join the Blue-Dot Network nor has to endorse it, as it might be detrimental to its foreign policy strategy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment. 

As their pledge for partnership in the Indo-Pacific has increased post the two-plus-two ministerial summits, both India and the US need a more concentrated engagement through a focused action plan in the field of connectivity, infrastructure and maritime security. President Trump’s visit to India must encourage New Delhi to engage in a concrete discussion and planning on how to offer a strategic direction to such an envisioned Partnership that will increasingly influence the future trajectory of Indo-Pacific. 

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Much of the global attention is centred on the United States President Donald Trump’s maiden visit to India from 24-25 February. With a commitment to promote “Major Defense Partnership”, the India-US relations is being envisioned with the changing course of Indo-Pacific narrative.

Much of the global attention is centred on the United States President Donald Trump’s maiden visit to India from 24-25 February. With a commitment to promote “Major Defense Partnership”, the India-US relations is being envisioned with the changing course of Indo-Pacific narrative. Centred around the “free, open and inclusive” Indo-Pacific construct, both sides aim to advance their partnership to defend a rules-based order that stands increasingly tested at present ahead of China’s assertive rise. The defence of the rules-based order in Indo-Pacific is a gigantic task as it will be heavily dependent on a futuristic robust India-US Indo-Pacific partnership. A relationship that is often perceived as the custodian guardian of the free or democratic world, India and the US would require a concrete action plan to follow it through. The quest for wealth, welfare and win – the three key W’s - should be their guiding light. More specifically, attention will be diverted to ensuring energy, civil nuclear cooperation, intellectual property rights, homeland security and science and space technology. Creating a wealth of strategic infrastructure, defending democratic regimes that would promote the welfare for a free-thinking world, and the win-win strategy to defend their respective national security interests through a stronger defence partnership would be key to India-US Indo-Pacific partnership. This trip by the US President is principally significant because it is almost the end of Trump’s term as the President of the US and while he has visited most of its allies in Asia, India has been conspicuously absent from that list. Trade has also remained an obstacle in their relations, with the recent removal of India from the US’s special trade status under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), to which India retaliated by imposing tariffs on many American exports. An array of such trade differences – ranging from tariff barriers, agricultural, medical trading and e-commerce – have dimmed whatever possibilities there were for a trade deal. While these issues are not unmanageable, it requires quite some strategic long-term rationalization. Once an isolated economy, China at present has emerged to be the most integrated economy in the world. Beijing emerging as a neo-imperialist power is no more a remote possibility, considering the multibillion-dollar investments in transportation, port building and infrastructure building that Xi Jinping’s China has been making voraciously. Each of the these invites merits of discussion between India and the US, given their respective strategic interest that have been at stake with China’s rising profile in Indo-Pacific. The expansion of Chinese foreign trade across the Indo-Pacific is one important chapter that India-US partnership needs to take cognizance of. Under the flagship Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), Chinese capital and enterprises have influenced the democratic regimes in Indo-Pacific through attractive financial packages and investments. Such a development that is increasingly testing the free world thinking in Indo-Pacific must encourage India and the US to have an envisioned cooperation that will promote economic partnership with pro-democratic regimes in the region. Under President Donald Trump, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has pursued a concentrated effort to launch a number of initiatives. Indeed, the last few years have witnessed Trump’s Indo-Pacific outlook getting enhanced through both government and private wide initiatives – such as the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), the Infrastructure Transaction and Assistant Network (ITAN) and the Asia Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy (AsiaEdge), ARIA, Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative and the Blue-Dot Network. The USTDA seems pretty active in taking initiatives that tend to challenge the BRI. Guised as policies shaped solely with the outlook of fulfilling the region’s demand for quality infrastructure, these American official policies are the defining focus of the US official clap-back to the Chinese initiatives in the region. More importantly, the USTDA, as the official arm of the America’s infrastructure development programs in Indo-Pacific, exhibits a leadership foresight. Such leadership foresight comes as the first line of defense against competition from rival economies in the region such as China. However, to what extent can New Delhi collaborate and extract benefits from such initiatives requires deeper planning. This actually becomes more pertinent when we observe the strong reservations the Indian government has been holding against the BRI for the longest time. More importantly with opportunities aplenty, New Delhi must decide if such a cooperation with the US is better forged bilaterally, or multilaterally with other like-minded countries. From India’s point of view, these official American initiatives should not constrain but unlock new opportunities to pursue its strategic interests in the region. The Blue Dot Network (BDN) that has arrived more from the conglomeration of both private-public investment cooperation should equally open the scope of cooperation for India. As a multi-stake holder initiative, the Blue Dot Network brings together the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in a public-private partnership model. Since economic pursuit seems to be the make or break factor in India-US ties, holding more concrete meetings between political representatives should accord priority to address the ever-enlarging disputes on economic domain between the two sides. India could easily initiate this step, and it could be symbolic too – a counter to Trump calling India the “tariff king” and accusing it of always dragging its feet when it comes to trade deals. An action plan that aims to promote quality infrastructure and connectivity in Indo-Pacific should encourage a concrete discussion between India and the US during Trump’s visit. Many might see India’s partaking in the Blue-Dot Network as an overture equivalent to accepting or partaking in America’s alliance network. Such a decision should not however override India’s national security interests, which stand challenged by China’s revisionist initiatives in the region, be it from port building networks to maritime bases. Therefore, a soft partaking for India with the Blue-Dot Network should be explored during Trump’s visit to India. Not to overlook, the Blue-Dot Network echoes the strategic intent that the Quad (Australia, India, Japan and the United States) process would like to promote in the region. As a business extension, it replicates Barack Obama’s vision that the US promoted through the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the ‘pivot to Asia’ strategy. India was emerging as a key partner for the US in the ‘pivot to Asia’ strategy, even though New Delhi was never considered to be a part of the TPP framework of economic partnership. However, now, the post TPP and the post Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) period has built an appropriate strategic context for the US and India to have a renewed concrete bilateral understanding on these issues. India can take its time; it neither has to formally join the Blue-Dot Network nor has to endorse it, as it might be detrimental to its foreign policy strategy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment. As their pledge for partnership in the Indo-Pacific has increased post the two-plus-two ministerial summits, both India and the US need a more concentrated engagement through a focused action plan in the field of connectivity, infrastructure and maritime security. President Trump’s visit to India must encourage New Delhi to engage in a concrete discussion and planning on how to offer a strategic direction to such an envisioned Partnership that will increasingly influence the future trajectory of Indo-Pacific. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Wealth, welfare and win must guide India-US Indo-Pacific partnership 

US President Donald Trump arrived in India on a two-day visit on Monday. Trump touched down at Ahmedabad Airport around 11:40 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the US president with a hug shortly after his arrival.

US President Donald Trump arrived in India on a two-day visit on Monday. Trump touched down at Ahmedabad Airport around 11:40 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the US president with a hug shortly after his arrival. Trump was accorded a cultural welcome at the airport. Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding a joint rally 'Namaste Trump' at the newly constructed Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. 'Namaste Trump' will be similar to the landmark 'Howdy, Modi!' event hosted by the Indian-American community in honour of Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Houston in September 2019, said an official. Trump will be visiting the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad as part of his itinerary before heading to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. Sabarmati Ashram was a key base of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. He lived there between 1917 and 1930. Trump will spend some time in the Sabarmati Ashram before heading towards the Motera stadium to participate in the 'Namaste Trump' event later today.

US President Trump arrives in India on a two-day visit

Awarded at home, acclaimed the world over: Watch India's favourite international news network as Trump visits India.

Watch India's favourite international news network as Trump visits India

US President Donald Trump kicked off his India visit today. The two-day trip was expected to be action-packed and such was the case as Trump along with the First Lady Melania Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Taj Mahal in Agra, before reaching Delhi&nbsp;late in the evening. Both Trump and PM Narendra Modi hailed each other's leadership and celebrated India-US ties. So, let's take a look at how international media reported on Trump's India visit.

New York Times

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'America Loves India,' Trump Declares at Rally With Modi

The America-based&nbsp;publication called the Ahmedabad event as a "campaign-style rally in a 110,000-seat cricket stadium that illustrated the populist bond between the two men and impressed a president who revels in spectacle". The daily said that Trump "betrayed unfamiliarity" with the country and criticised his accent as he tried to speak the local language.

Al Jazeera

<blockquote>
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</blockquote>

'America loves India': Trump and Modi hail India-US ties

The Qatar-based publication said that Trump addressed a massive rally that is "big on photo opportunities but likely short on substance".

The Guardian

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'Namaste Trump': India&nbsp;welcomes US president at Modi rally

The London-based news website said that massive event in Ahmedabad was the platform for Trump and Modi to showcase their "enthusiastically friendly relationship". "The effusive bond between the two leaders was on full display," The Guardian said,&nbsp;as both leaders greatly praised each other.

The Guardian also said that though the rally fell short of Trump's claim of a crowd of 7 million, it is the largest gathering that Trump has ever addressed.&nbsp;

CNN

<img alt="CNN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0207443-ee27-404a-ae53-5ebc314bc012" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/QpbZVE1r.jpg" />

Trump lands in India and feels the love

The US-based media house said that though a trade&nbsp; deal looks unlikely, Trump was "more than happy to bask in the type of adulation that doesn't typically follow him when he travels abroad". "At regular intervals throughout New Delhi and Ahmedabad, larger-than-life images of the two men are plastered on signs and posts", CNN added.&nbsp;

BBC

<img alt="BBC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01c40cb8-5d20-4dce-b59e-c631ef9fb165" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/StQRrDnM.jpg" />

Taj Mahal: US President Donald Trump visits India's 'monument of love'

UK's BBC said that Trump "received an exuberant welcome" in the city of Agra. BBC also noted Trump struggled to pronounce Indian words that include name of Ahmedabad and Swami Vivekananda. Trump also called&nbsp; ancient texts Vedas as 'Vestas', BBC added. &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump kicked off his India visit today. The two-day trip was expected to be action-packed and such was the case as Trump along with the First Lady Melania Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Taj Mahal in Agra, before reaching Delhi late in the evening.

US President Donald Trump kicked off his India visit today. The two-day trip was expected to be action-packed and such was the case as Trump along with the First Lady Melania Trump visited Sabarmati Ashram and Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, Taj Mahal in Agra, before reaching Delhi late in the evening. Both Trump and PM Narendra Modi hailed each other's leadership and celebrated India-US ties. So, let's take a look at how international media reported on Trump's India visit. New York Times 'America Loves India,' Trump Declares at Rally With Modi The America-based publication called the Ahmedabad event as a "campaign-style rally in a 110,000-seat cricket stadium that illustrated the populist bond between the two men and impressed a president who revels in spectacle". The daily said that Trump "betrayed unfamiliarity" with the country and criticised his accent as he tried to speak the local language. Al Jazeera 'America loves India': Trump and Modi hail India-US ties The Qatar-based publication said that Trump addressed a massive rally that is "big on photo opportunities but likely short on substance". The Guardian 'Namaste Trump': India welcomes US president at Modi rally The London-based news website said that massive event in Ahmedabad was the platform for Trump and Modi to showcase their "enthusiastically friendly relationship". "The effusive bond between the two leaders was on full display," The Guardian said, as both leaders greatly praised each other. The Guardian also said that though the rally fell short of Trump's claim of a crowd of 7 million, it is the largest gathering that Trump has ever addressed. CNN Trump lands in India and feels the love The US-based media house said that though a trade deal looks unlikely, Trump was "more than happy to bask in the type of adulation that doesn't typically follow him when he travels abroad". "At regular intervals throughout New Delhi and Ahmedabad, larger-than-life images of the two men are plastered on signs and posts", CNN added. BBC Taj Mahal: US President Donald Trump visits India's 'monument of love' UK's BBC said that Trump "received an exuberant welcome" in the city of Agra. BBC also noted Trump struggled to pronounce Indian words that include name of Ahmedabad and Swami Vivekananda. Trump also called ancient texts Vedas as 'Vestas', BBC added.

'Trump feels love': How international media reported on US President's India visit

The stage is set for US President Donald Trump's first visit to India. Trump is expected to touch down at Ahmedabad Airport in a few hours from now. Just before his departure to India, Trump said that he was looking forward to being with 'millions and millions of Indians waiting to welcome me''.

The stage is set for US President Donald Trump's first visit to India. Trump is expected to touch down at Ahmedabad Airport in a few hours from now. Just before his departure to India, Trump said that he was looking forward to being with 'millions and millions of Indians waiting to welcome me''. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a welcome message for Trump ahead of his arrival. Modi will personally be present at the Sardar Vallbhai Patel International Airport to receive Trump. Departing for India with Melania! pic.twitter.com/sZhb3E1AoB — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2020 × Meanwhile, multi-tier security arrangements have been made for the 'Namaste Trump' event to be held in Ahmedabad. More than 4000 security personnel have been deployed along with 10 companies of paramilitary forces. Hundreds of artists from across the country preparing for a grand welcome for President Trump. Watch: Preparations for 'Namaste Trump' in the final stage × Meanwhile, the national capital will be on high alert once Trump reaches New Delhi. An anti-drone team of the National Security Guard (NSG), snipers and elite commandos have been deployed to secure the area around the ITC Maurya Hotel where the president will be staying during his visit. Police personnel from six districts and 40 companies of the CRPF will form a joint force that will look into the security of the capital. The local administration is looking to acquire additional CCTV cameras to monitor the area. India looks forward to welcoming @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad! https://t.co/fAVx9OUu1j — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2020 × The route from the ITC Maurya to the Delhi government school which first lady Melania Trump is scheduled to visit will also be under high security. Prime Minister Modi will leave shortly for Ahmedabad, which is the first stop of US President Donald Trump`s first official trip to India.

Namaste Trump: India rolls out red carpet for Trump's maiden visit

The US India strategic partnership is based on shared values of democracy, common geopolitical interests, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between the political leadership and its people. &nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump have met eight times in the last 3 years, of which they met bilaterally 4 times in the last year. That, President Trump, has chosen to visit India, in a busy election year, when Presidencies are focused on their campaigns and domestic agenda, is an indicator of the level of mutual comfort and trust between the leaders. &nbsp;

This visit may have more political and optic overtones than economic, but that does nothing to take away the bilateral significance of the visit, as well as, the significant progress made in the areas of strategic importance, like defence, counter-terror, security, oil &amp; gas and trade ties.

The key takeaways from the visit would probably be in the fields of Defence, Trade and Space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The deepening of the defence ties between the two nations has witnessed steady progression with the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), 2+2 dialogues, increased frequency of military exercises, moving from the annual YUDH ABHYAAS series to TIGER TRIUMPH – a tri-services joint exercise facilitated by the signing of the LEMOA and Communication, Compatibility &amp; Security Agreement. &nbsp;

It is expected, that TIGER TRIUMPH tri-service exercise with India will become an annual event and it is a vindication of the India’s emergence as the strategic partner of the US not only in the region but outside of NATO, as the only nation to have been given the status of major defence partner, to whom the US has consented to share sensitive military technologies, weapons and equipment – in no small means catalysed by the STA-1 status that India enjoys. &nbsp;

Geopolitics: China, being the elephant in the room, the renaming of the PACOM as the Indo-Pacific Command is reflective of the growing strategic stature of India in US military strategy and for the enforcement of the free and open, rules-based international order in the Pacific region.&nbsp;

There is the convergence of interest for India and US to limit the Chinese influence in the South Asian &amp; ASEAN region. India has assiduously cultivated maritime security alliances with Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore in pursuit of a free to navigate the Pacific and Indian Ocean region and limiting the Chinese influence in the South China Sea. &nbsp;

A free democratic and emergent power, India, is the ideal counterweight to an authoritative and expansionist China and this balancing of the two Asian powers is reflected in the formation of the QUAD of India, US, Japan and Australia. The recognition of India as a Strategic Partner is an outcome of the designation of China as a competitor by the present Trump administration.&nbsp;

The US pivot to Asia precedes the Trump Presidency – and the focus on India, from President Bush to Obama and Trump. It also highlights the bipartisan support that India enjoys on Capitol. &nbsp;

In the recent past though, this has been strained with incidents with some political overtones, on Article 370 and Diversity, which India clearly views as internal matters. These issues may have local domestic political overtones fueled in no small measure by the hostile press that India has attracted in the recent past especially under Modi 2.0 government.&nbsp;

India has to clearly reach out and be proactive in putting forth the facts on Article 370, CAA and Diversity, to the US people to counter the narrative that is built based on part fact and part imagination such as the linkage of CAA with NRC/NPR.&nbsp;

Defence Trade: The defence trade between India &amp; US has moved from a few hundred thousand dollars to approx. $20 billion, if the present visit results in the widely anticipated sale of 24 MH60R helicopters for the Indian Navy and the 6 Apache helicopters for the Army Aviation – both deals which have been years in the making. However, with the present administration pulling out all stops – the anticipated sale of NASAM-II system, 30 Armed Sea Guardian drones, 6 more P8I aircraft with advanced onboard communication and surveillance systems and 13 Mk45 naval guns. &nbsp;

The cherry on the cake will be if the Indian Navy opts for FA 18 Super Hornet Block III, though the multi-role aircraft for IAF, with both Lockheed Martin and Boeing throwing their hats in the ring, may take more time than anticipated riding on the back of the sluggish economic growth with more funds being allocated for infrastructure and social sector.&nbsp;

The only threat to this otherwise thriving partnership could come from the potential acquisition of the S400 missile system by India – though the US has shown flexibility in the past in accommodation of key Indian strategic interests such as the Chabahar port for the land route to Afghanistan, support during Doklam crisis and the abrogation of Article 370, besides diplomatic support to Indian counter-terror initiatives, but S400 deal with Russia could test this resolve.&nbsp;

Energy has been an area of increased cooperation between India and the US, and the energy exports to India from the US (both oil and gas) have registered an impressive growth of nearly $8 billion and may touch $10 billion, with Petronet LNG ($2.5 billion) &nbsp;and other companies, investing a total of $4 billion in US &nbsp;and have contracted 9 million metric tons per annum of LNG. This has helped bridge the trade deficit and has the potential to meet the ever-growing demands of energy in India – both in conventional and non -conventional sources including Nuclear energy as a part of the clean energy initiative of the government. &nbsp;

Space is an area which has seen slow yet steady cooperation of ISRO with NASA, with the space agencies building the strategic NISAR satellite at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion for studying the hazards, environmental change and natural processes. NISAR will be launched aboard an Indian launch vehicle in 2022. India and the US have been collaborating on space missions, and space crafts have carried their scientific instruments. The confirmed discovery of water on the south surface of the moon is credited to Chandrayaan 1 which carried a NASA probe.&nbsp;

Space Industry: There is considerable scope for the Indian and US Space industry to work together leveraging their complementary strengths – marrying Indian frugal space engineering and lower costs of material, supply chain and production which as a significant small industry content, with the cutting edge technologies of US firms. &nbsp;

India and the US could potentially collaborate on the planned Indian space station as the ISS retires by 2030 and India’s planned space station is in place by that time. There could be planned human space flights as this is an area of interest for both the nations, moving forward.&nbsp;

Challenges: With all the good tidings, there are drags and challenges, to the growing partnership. Apart from US Administration’s desire to see India &amp; Pakistan engage more bilaterally, more so in view of the Afghanistan Peace Deal to be announced on February 29 and the impending withdrawal of US troops and the recent offers of mediation, US would like to see greater involvement of India in Afghanistan even though PM Modi has ruled out boots on ground and has its reservations on the role of Taliban in the new Afghan dispensation, which could embolden terror outfits in Kashmir, but India could support the new Afghan government in terms of assistance, lines of credit and trade through the Chabahar route.&nbsp;

Trade: Trade is a major challenge in the US –India bilateral relations. The US-India trade grew at 10 per cent annually for the last two years and crossed $160 billion in last year. The trade deficit – something that the present administration has constantly focused on, has narrowed by 9 per cent. Historically, India has had a trade surplus but it is changing with the US goods trade deficit with India was at $20.8 billion in 2018, a 9 per cent decrease ($2.1 billion) over 2017.&nbsp;

Though bilateral investment has room for much improvement but Indian companies have invested almost $18 Billion and created direct employment for US citizens, so have US companies in India. Major US companies as Google, Microsoft, GE, Honeywell, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Collins Aerospace have technology centers and joint ventures in India which have contributed to both the economies&nbsp;

The list of requests from the US TR is long with respect to access to the Indian markets, to single-brand retail, medical devices (reduction of duties /higher margins), pharma, insurance, banking and financial services. Higher FDI limits in the sectors not permitting more than 49 per cent FDI, data localisation, IPR protection, and e-commerce issues, have in the recent past been a bugbear for both the ministers – Lighthiser and Goyal. While India may have its share of issues such as the H1B visas for Indian technology giants, higher tariffs on aluminium &amp; metals, and the withdrawal of the GSP privileges.&nbsp;

President Trump has often quoted Indian tariffs and barriers, as an impediment. It is true that the US may be a more open market than India, but it can be said, that Indian tariff structure is WTO compliant with Japan and South Korea levying a higher tariff on certain goods. Apart from Harley &amp; Ford, there is scope for early outcomes in food, dairy, pharma, medical devices and IPR protection in trade talks between the two democracies.&nbsp;

Way Forward: Undoubtedly, these are barriers to entry and do not make for ease of doing business, but the way forward, could be - by breaking down into individual milestones, dividing their mutual interests into smaller segments, than to attempt a large all-encompassing deal that has been long in the making. &nbsp;

There is enough scope to work on this and the trade relationship between India and US is not a 100 meters dash but more akin to a long-distance marathon, where not stamina alone but technique, even pace and focusing each mile at a time ensures success.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The US India strategic partnership is based on shared values of democracy, common geopolitical interests, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between the political leadership and its people.

The US India strategic partnership is based on shared values of democracy, common geopolitical interests, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between the political leadership and its people. PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump have met eight times in the last 3 years, of which they met bilaterally 4 times in the last year. That, President Trump, has chosen to visit India, in a busy election year, when Presidencies are focused on their campaigns and domestic agenda, is an indicator of the level of mutual comfort and trust between the leaders. This visit may have more political and optic overtones than economic, but that does nothing to take away the bilateral significance of the visit, as well as, the significant progress made in the areas of strategic importance, like defence, counter-terror, security, oil & gas and trade ties. The key takeaways from the visit would probably be in the fields of Defence, Trade and Space. The deepening of the defence ties between the two nations has witnessed steady progression with the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), 2+2 dialogues, increased frequency of military exercises, moving from the annual YUDH ABHYAAS series to TIGER TRIUMPH – a tri-services joint exercise facilitated by the signing of the LEMOA and Communication, Compatibility & Security Agreement. It is expected, that TIGER TRIUMPH tri-service exercise with India will become an annual event and it is a vindication of the India’s emergence as the strategic partner of the US not only in the region but outside of NATO, as the only nation to have been given the status of major defence partner, to whom the US has consented to share sensitive military technologies, weapons and equipment – in no small means catalysed by the STA-1 status that India enjoys. Geopolitics: China, being the elephant in the room, the renaming of the PACOM as the Indo-Pacific Command is reflective of the growing strategic stature of India in US military strategy and for the enforcement of the free and open, rules-based international order in the Pacific region. There is the convergence of interest for India and US to limit the Chinese influence in the South Asian & ASEAN region. India has assiduously cultivated maritime security alliances with Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore in pursuit of a free to navigate the Pacific and Indian Ocean region and limiting the Chinese influence in the South China Sea. A free democratic and emergent power, India, is the ideal counterweight to an authoritative and expansionist China and this balancing of the two Asian powers is reflected in the formation of the QUAD of India, US, Japan and Australia. The recognition of India as a Strategic Partner is an outcome of the designation of China as a competitor by the present Trump administration. The US pivot to Asia precedes the Trump Presidency – and the focus on India, from President Bush to Obama and Trump. It also highlights the bipartisan support that India enjoys on Capitol. In the recent past though, this has been strained with incidents with some political overtones, on Article 370 and Diversity, which India clearly views as internal matters. These issues may have local domestic political overtones fueled in no small measure by the hostile press that India has attracted in the recent past especially under Modi 2.0 government. India has to clearly reach out and be proactive in putting forth the facts on Article 370, CAA and Diversity, to the US people to counter the narrative that is built based on part fact and part imagination such as the linkage of CAA with NRC/NPR. Defence Trade: The defence trade between India & US has moved from a few hundred thousand dollars to approx. $20 billion, if the present visit results in the widely anticipated sale of 24 MH60R helicopters for the Indian Navy and the 6 Apache helicopters for the Army Aviation – both deals which have been years in the making. However, with the present administration pulling out all stops – the anticipated sale of NASAM-II system, 30 Armed Sea Guardian drones, 6 more P8I aircraft with advanced onboard communication and surveillance systems and 13 Mk45 naval guns. The cherry on the cake will be if the Indian Navy opts for FA 18 Super Hornet Block III, though the multi-role aircraft for IAF, with both Lockheed Martin and Boeing throwing their hats in the ring, may take more time than anticipated riding on the back of the sluggish economic growth with more funds being allocated for infrastructure and social sector. The only threat to this otherwise thriving partnership could come from the potential acquisition of the S400 missile system by India – though the US has shown flexibility in the past in accommodation of key Indian strategic interests such as the Chabahar port for the land route to Afghanistan, support during Doklam crisis and the abrogation of Article 370, besides diplomatic support to Indian counter-terror initiatives, but S400 deal with Russia could test this resolve. Energy has been an area of increased cooperation between India and the US, and the energy exports to India from the US (both oil and gas) have registered an impressive growth of nearly $8 billion and may touch $10 billion, with Petronet LNG ($2.5 billion) and other companies, investing a total of $4 billion in US and have contracted 9 million metric tons per annum of LNG. This has helped bridge the trade deficit and has the potential to meet the ever-growing demands of energy in India – both in conventional and non -conventional sources including Nuclear energy as a part of the clean energy initiative of the government. Space is an area which has seen slow yet steady cooperation of ISRO with NASA, with the space agencies building the strategic NISAR satellite at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion for studying the hazards, environmental change and natural processes. NISAR will be launched aboard an Indian launch vehicle in 2022. India and the US have been collaborating on space missions, and space crafts have carried their scientific instruments. The confirmed discovery of water on the south surface of the moon is credited to Chandrayaan 1 which carried a NASA probe. Space Industry: There is considerable scope for the Indian and US Space industry to work together leveraging their complementary strengths – marrying Indian frugal space engineering and lower costs of material, supply chain and production which as a significant small industry content, with the cutting edge technologies of US firms. India and the US could potentially collaborate on the planned Indian space station as the ISS retires by 2030 and India’s planned space station is in place by that time. There could be planned human space flights as this is an area of interest for both the nations, moving forward. Challenges: With all the good tidings, there are drags and challenges, to the growing partnership. Apart from US Administration’s desire to see India & Pakistan engage more bilaterally, more so in view of the Afghanistan Peace Deal to be announced on February 29 and the impending withdrawal of US troops and the recent offers of mediation, US would like to see greater involvement of India in Afghanistan even though PM Modi has ruled out boots on ground and has its reservations on the role of Taliban in the new Afghan dispensation, which could embolden terror outfits in Kashmir, but India could support the new Afghan government in terms of assistance, lines of credit and trade through the Chabahar route. Trade: Trade is a major challenge in the US –India bilateral relations. The US-India trade grew at 10 per cent annually for the last two years and crossed $160 billion in last year. The trade deficit – something that the present administration has constantly focused on, has narrowed by 9 per cent. Historically, India has had a trade surplus but it is changing with the US goods trade deficit with India was at $20.8 billion in 2018, a 9 per cent decrease ($2.1 billion) over 2017. Though bilateral investment has room for much improvement but Indian companies have invested almost $18 Billion and created direct employment for US citizens, so have US companies in India. Major US companies as Google, Microsoft, GE, Honeywell, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Collins Aerospace have technology centers and joint ventures in India which have contributed to both the economies The list of requests from the US TR is long with respect to access to the Indian markets, to single-brand retail, medical devices (reduction of duties /higher margins), pharma, insurance, banking and financial services. Higher FDI limits in the sectors not permitting more than 49 per cent FDI, data localisation, IPR protection, and e-commerce issues, have in the recent past been a bugbear for both the ministers – Lighthiser and Goyal. While India may have its share of issues such as the H1B visas for Indian technology giants, higher tariffs on aluminium & metals, and the withdrawal of the GSP privileges. President Trump has often quoted Indian tariffs and barriers, as an impediment. It is true that the US may be a more open market than India, but it can be said, that Indian tariff structure is WTO compliant with Japan and South Korea levying a higher tariff on certain goods. Apart from Harley & Ford, there is scope for early outcomes in food, dairy, pharma, medical devices and IPR protection in trade talks between the two democracies. Way Forward: Undoubtedly, these are barriers to entry and do not make for ease of doing business, but the way forward, could be - by breaking down into individual milestones, dividing their mutual interests into smaller segments, than to attempt a large all-encompassing deal that has been long in the making. There is enough scope to work on this and the trade relationship between India and US is not a 100 meters dash but more akin to a long-distance marathon, where not stamina alone but technique, even pace and focusing each mile at a time ensures success. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Defence and trade will be the highlight of US President Donald Trump's India visit

US President Donald Trump took Twitter on fire with his Hindi tweet earlier on Monday, followed by a reply from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also in Hindi, and the social media went into super celebratory mood.

US Prez tweets 'Atithi Devo Bhava' to 'Hum Raaste Mai hai' in Hindi excites netizens

US President Donald Trump along with his wife Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner lands in New Delhi this evening. #POTUS on a 2-day visit to India addresses a mega event in Gujarat's capital Ahmedabad at Motera Stadium.

US President Donald Trump lands in New Delhi

Security has been tightened outside the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit. The stadium will be hosting the 'Namaste Trump' event which is scheduled later in the day today. WION gets you latest from the Motera Stadium.

WION Ground report from Motera Stadium, Trump India visit

US President Donald Trump will arrive in Ahmedabad on Monday for the first leg of his maiden India trip during which he will visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, take part in a roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and jointly address over one lakh people at a cricket stadium, before heading for Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal with his wife Melania.

Trump, who is also accompanied by daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and top brass of his administration, will get a taste of India's cultural potpourri during his Gujarat itinerary which is high on symbolism, especially after the bonhomie between the two leaders at the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston during the Indian prime minister's visit to the US in September 2019.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a friend of mine. I had committed to this trip a long time back. I will be addressing a big rally," Trump said at the White House.

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The US president, who is scheduled to arrive at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport at around 11:40 am on Monday, will participate along with Modi in roadshows on his way from the airport to Sabarmati Ashram and from there to the newly-built Motera cricket stadium, where over one lakh people are expected to be present for the 'Namaste Trump' event.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/departing-for-india-with-melania-trump-tweets-as-he-emplanes-for-ahmedabad-282231">Departing for India with Melania! Trump tweets as he emplanes for Ahmedabad</a>

Dance groups and singers from different parts of the country will be performing on stages that are dotting the 22-km route of the 'India roadshow' in the city that has was been spruced up for Trump's visit. Huge billboards of the two leaders and replicas of historic places in Gujarat have also been placed along the roads where people will greet the two leaders.

Over 10,000 police personnel, besides officials of the United States Secret Service, and personnel of the National Security Guards (NSG) and the Special Protection Group (SPG) have been deployed for the high profile visit.

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"India looks forward to welcoming @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad," tweeted Modi.

Trump, who is the seventh US president to visit the country, too took to Twitter saying he was looking forward to being with his "great friends" in India as he retweeted a video in which his face was superimposed on the hit Indian movie-character Bahubali, showing him as a great saviour.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namaste-trump-to-india-inc-roundtable-trump-has-a-packed-schedule-in-india-282198">Namaste Trump to India Inc roundtable, Trump has a packed schedule in India</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will accompany Trump to the Sabarmati Ashram, which was home to Mahatma Gandhi from 1917-1930 during India's freedom struggle.

Several world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had visited Sabarmati Ashram in recent years. 
Ashram secretary Amrut Modi said that Trump will spend 15 minutes at the place.

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"Trump will visit the 'Hriday Kunj'. If he wishes, he will spin a charkha. We will also gift him a coffee-table book, and a book containing 150 quotations of Gandhi," the Ashram official said.

Hriday Kunj is a room on the Ashram premises where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi had lived for 12 years between 1918 and 1930.

The official said the US President would be briefed about Gandhiji and the importance of charkha (spinning wheel) as a symbol of self-reliance.

A cultural extravaganza will be organised at the Motera stadium during the 'Namaste Trump' event, where Trump and Modi will address the gathering.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-will-be-no-trade-deal-with-india-during-trumps-visit-white-house-282127">There will be no trade deal with India during Trump's visit - White House&nbsp;</a>

Bollywood singers Kailash Kher and Parthiv Gohil, and Gujarati folk singers like Kirtidan Gadhvi, Gita Rabari, Purushottam Upadhyay and Sairam Dave will perform at the stadium, officials of the Gujarat Cricket Association said.

Students of various government and private schools have also been roped in to perform at cultural events and they have been practising for days, an official said.

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Billboard with slogans hailing Indo-US relations like 'the world's oldest democracy meets the world's largest democracy' and 'stronger friendship for a brighter future', and pictures of Trump and Modi walking together, shaking hands, and waving at the crowd during the 'Howdy Modi' event in the US last year have come up at prominent places.

The city's civic body is leaving no stone unturned to make the roadshow a memorable experience for the dignitaries as well as the people of Gujarat.

"Hello Ahmedabad, Come, be a part of the 22 km long mega India Road Show. Let's showcase the best of Indian culture and diversity to the world. #Namaste Trump," Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra said in a tweet on Sunday.

A cut-out of the 12th century 'Kirti Toran' (a pair of columns supporting an arch), from Modi's hometown Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district, has also been put up outside the Ahmedabad airport to welcome Trump.

As the city was buzzing with last-minute preparations, there were some minor hiccups.

Two makeshift VVIP entry gates erected outside the newly-built cricket stadium in Motera collapsed due to gusty winds on Sunday morning, but no one was injured in both the incidents, officials said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-should-india-approach-donald-trumps-state-visit-282075">How should India approach Donald Trump's state visit?</a>

Trump and his entourage will fly to Agra, which is all decked up for the visit with massive billboards and American and Indian flags displayed on all major roads.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will welcome the US president on his arrival at the Kheria airport at 4:30 pm on Monday where a group of about 350 artistes will be performing.

Huge security has been deployed across the city, especially along the nearly 13-km route to be taken by Trump's convoy from the airport to the Amarvilas hotel, and in and around the Taj.

According to the official schedule, the US president will arrive with his family at the Taj Mahal complex at 5:15 pm on Monday and spend about an hour at the famed 17th-century mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

He will then leave for Delhi for the main leg of the visit during which restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi will be at Hyderabad House on Tuesday.

The eagerly awaited tour of India is expected to significantly ramp up bilateral defence and strategic ties but unlikely to produce tangible outcome in resolving thorny issues like trade tariffs.

The nearly 36-hour-long visit by Trump is also set to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military and economic clout.

Similar to Ahmedbad, the Agra administration has also been busy in the last few days giving the historic city a makeover, with streets spruced up, walls adorned with thematic paintings and lawns of iconic Taj Mahal beautified.

From the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel situated near the East Gate of the Taj Mahal complex, the president, his family and members of the high-level delegation accompanying him will move in eco-friendly golf carts to travel into the monument premises, officials said.

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As per Supreme Court directions, petrol or diesel operated vehicles are not permitted within 500 metres of the Taj Mahal's gate.

In the main city, old roads were repaired, road-dividers painted afresh, illegal hoardings and posters removed, and walls along the route that President Trump will take decorated with painting reflecting the Brij culture and architectural heritage of Agra.

Water was being sprayed regularly to ensure there is no dust.

At the Taj Mahal premises, workers cleaned the marbles and sandstones while tourists made the most of the day as travel restrictions are to come into place in the city on Tuesday.

Water has been continuously discharged into the polluted Yamuna in the last few days to improve its environmental condition, and its banks have been cleaned of plastic and other waste.

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Departing for India with Melania! <a href="https://t.co/sZhb3E1AoB">pic.twitter.com/sZhb3E1AoB</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1231598268489973761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In Taj Ganj, the area neighbouring the mausoleum, many shops are sporting uniform signboards. "About a week ago, the boards were changed to a uniform look for all shops to present a beautiful look. We are very excited about President Trump's visit," said Pawan Kumar, who runs a sweet shop.

Guide Abdul Khan also gushed about the visit, saying it will "boost Agra's stature and further increase tourism".

"The fountains have been thoroughly cleaned and flower pots are being put. Taj doesn't need any promotion, but an added spotlight will definitely enhance the glory of Taj and of Agra too," he said.

On the morning of February 25, Trump and the First Lady would be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

From there, they would go to Rajghat to pay homage at the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi.

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India looks forward to welcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad! <a href="https://t.co/fAVx9OUu1j">https://t.co/fAVx9OUu1j</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1231479457661116416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It would be followed by talks between Trump and Modi at Hyderabad House.

Prime Minister Modi would 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 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. President Trump would depart from India later that evening.

In their talks on Tuesday, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to focus on a wide variety of bilateral and regional issues including trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, energy security, religious freedom, proposed peace deal with Taliban in Afghanistan and situation in the Indo-Pacific, according to Indian and US officials.

Trump is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien and Energy Secretary Dan Broulliette.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump will arrive in Ahmedabad on Monday for the first leg of his maiden India trip during which he will visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, take part in a roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and jointly address over one lakh people at a cricket stadium, before heading for Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal with his wife Melania.

US President Donald Trump will arrive in Ahmedabad on Monday for the first leg of his maiden India trip during which he will visit Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, take part in a roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and jointly address over one lakh people at a cricket stadium, before heading for Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal with his wife Melania. Trump, who is also accompanied by daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and top brass of his administration, will get a taste of India's cultural potpourri during his Gujarat itinerary which is high on symbolism, especially after the bonhomie between the two leaders at the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston during the Indian prime minister's visit to the US in September 2019. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a friend of mine. I had committed to this trip a long time back. I will be addressing a big rally," Trump said at the White House. × The US president, who is scheduled to arrive at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport at around 11:40 am on Monday, will participate along with Modi in roadshows on his way from the airport to Sabarmati Ashram and from there to the newly-built Motera cricket stadium, where over one lakh people are expected to be present for the 'Namaste Trump' event. Also read: Departing for India with Melania! Trump tweets as he emplanes for Ahmedabad Dance groups and singers from different parts of the country will be performing on stages that are dotting the 22-km route of the 'India roadshow' in the city that has was been spruced up for Trump's visit. Huge billboards of the two leaders and replicas of historic places in Gujarat have also been placed along the roads where people will greet the two leaders. Over 10,000 police personnel, besides officials of the United States Secret Service, and personnel of the National Security Guards (NSG) and the Special Protection Group (SPG) have been deployed for the high profile visit. × "India looks forward to welcoming @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad," tweeted Modi. Trump, who is the seventh US president to visit the country, too took to Twitter saying he was looking forward to being with his "great friends" in India as he retweeted a video in which his face was superimposed on the hit Indian movie-character Bahubali, showing him as a great saviour. Also read: Namaste Trump to India Inc roundtable, Trump has a packed schedule in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will accompany Trump to the Sabarmati Ashram, which was home to Mahatma Gandhi from 1917-1930 during India's freedom struggle. Several world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had visited Sabarmati Ashram in recent years. Ashram secretary Amrut Modi said that Trump will spend 15 minutes at the place. × "Trump will visit the 'Hriday Kunj'. If he wishes, he will spin a charkha. We will also gift him a coffee-table book, and a book containing 150 quotations of Gandhi," the Ashram official said. Hriday Kunj is a room on the Ashram premises where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi had lived for 12 years between 1918 and 1930. The official said the US President would be briefed about Gandhiji and the importance of charkha (spinning wheel) as a symbol of self-reliance. A cultural extravaganza will be organised at the Motera stadium during the 'Namaste Trump' event, where Trump and Modi will address the gathering. Also read: There will be no trade deal with India during Trump's visit - White House Bollywood singers Kailash Kher and Parthiv Gohil, and Gujarati folk singers like Kirtidan Gadhvi, Gita Rabari, Purushottam Upadhyay and Sairam Dave will perform at the stadium, officials of the Gujarat Cricket Association said. Students of various government and private schools have also been roped in to perform at cultural events and they have been practising for days, an official said. × Billboard with slogans hailing Indo-US relations like 'the world's oldest democracy meets the world's largest democracy' and 'stronger friendship for a brighter future', and pictures of Trump and Modi walking together, shaking hands, and waving at the crowd during the 'Howdy Modi' event in the US last year have come up at prominent places. The city's civic body is leaving no stone unturned to make the roadshow a memorable experience for the dignitaries as well as the people of Gujarat. "Hello Ahmedabad, Come, be a part of the 22 km long mega India Road Show. Let's showcase the best of Indian culture and diversity to the world. #Namaste Trump," Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra said in a tweet on Sunday. A cut-out of the 12th century 'Kirti Toran' (a pair of columns supporting an arch), from Modi's hometown Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district, has also been put up outside the Ahmedabad airport to welcome Trump. As the city was buzzing with last-minute preparations, there were some minor hiccups. Two makeshift VVIP entry gates erected outside the newly-built cricket stadium in Motera collapsed due to gusty winds on Sunday morning, but no one was injured in both the incidents, officials said. Also read: How should India approach Donald Trump's state visit? Trump and his entourage will fly to Agra, which is all decked up for the visit with massive billboards and American and Indian flags displayed on all major roads. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will welcome the US president on his arrival at the Kheria airport at 4:30 pm on Monday where a group of about 350 artistes will be performing. Huge security has been deployed across the city, especially along the nearly 13-km route to be taken by Trump's convoy from the airport to the Amarvilas hotel, and in and around the Taj. According to the official schedule, the US president will arrive with his family at the Taj Mahal complex at 5:15 pm on Monday and spend about an hour at the famed 17th-century mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He will then leave for Delhi for the main leg of the visit during which restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi will be at Hyderabad House on Tuesday. The eagerly awaited tour of India is expected to significantly ramp up bilateral defence and strategic ties but unlikely to produce tangible outcome in resolving thorny issues like trade tariffs. The nearly 36-hour-long visit by Trump is also set to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military and economic clout. Similar to Ahmedbad, the Agra administration has also been busy in the last few days giving the historic city a makeover, with streets spruced up, walls adorned with thematic paintings and lawns of iconic Taj Mahal beautified. From the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel situated near the East Gate of the Taj Mahal complex, the president, his family and members of the high-level delegation accompanying him will move in eco-friendly golf carts to travel into the monument premises, officials said. × As per Supreme Court directions, petrol or diesel operated vehicles are not permitted within 500 metres of the Taj Mahal's gate. In the main city, old roads were repaired, road-dividers painted afresh, illegal hoardings and posters removed, and walls along the route that President Trump will take decorated with painting reflecting the Brij culture and architectural heritage of Agra. Water was being sprayed regularly to ensure there is no dust. At the Taj Mahal premises, workers cleaned the marbles and sandstones while tourists made the most of the day as travel restrictions are to come into place in the city on Tuesday. Water has been continuously discharged into the polluted Yamuna in the last few days to improve its environmental condition, and its banks have been cleaned of plastic and other waste. Departing for India with Melania! pic.twitter.com/sZhb3E1AoB — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2020 × In Taj Ganj, the area neighbouring the mausoleum, many shops are sporting uniform signboards. "About a week ago, the boards were changed to a uniform look for all shops to present a beautiful look. We are very excited about President Trump's visit," said Pawan Kumar, who runs a sweet shop. Guide Abdul Khan also gushed about the visit, saying it will "boost Agra's stature and further increase tourism". "The fountains have been thoroughly cleaned and flower pots are being put. Taj doesn't need any promotion, but an added spotlight will definitely enhance the glory of Taj and of Agra too," he said. On the morning of February 25, Trump and the First Lady would be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there, they would go to Rajghat to pay homage at the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi. India looks forward to welcoming @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad! https://t.co/fAVx9OUu1j — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2020 × It would be followed by talks between Trump and Modi at Hyderabad House. Prime Minister Modi would 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 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. President Trump would depart from India later that evening. In their talks on Tuesday, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to focus on a wide variety of bilateral and regional issues including trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, energy security, religious freedom, proposed peace deal with Taliban in Afghanistan and situation in the Indo-Pacific, according to Indian and US officials. Trump is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien and Energy Secretary Dan Broulliette.

India rolls out red carpet for US President Donald Trump's much-anticipated maiden visit