Trump set for talks on trade, arms deals in India
After a rousing reception, US President Donald Trump is to sit down with Indian leaders for talks on arms sales and festering trade disputes that have strained ties in recent months.
More than 100,000 people filled into a cricket stadium in western India on Monday for a “Namaste Trump” rally in the biggest reception for a foreign leader in years which Trump said was a “stunning display of Indian culture and kindness.”
But the two countries have been arguing over a trade deal and Trump will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to try and close differences over farm goods, medical devices, digital trade and proposed new tariffs.
The US has signed a trade deal with China and separate agreements with Canada and Mexico, and has been pushing for an accord with India, which Trump described as the “tariff king.” Trump told the rally in Ahmedabad that Modi was a tough negotiator, but that the two countries were in the early stages of a major deal.
In New Delhi, Trump was given a formal state welcome at the Redstone presidential palace with a 21-cannon gun salute and a red-coated honour guard on horseback.
India is one of the few big countries in the world where Trump’s personal approval rating is above 50% and his trip has got wall-to-wall coverage with commentators saying he had hit all the right notes on his first official visit to the world’s biggest democracy.
They were also effusive in their praise for Modi for pulling off a spectacular reception for Trump. —