New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said US President Donald Trump would be accorded a “memorable welcome” when he undertakes his first India visit on February 24 and expressed confidence that the trip would go a long way in further cementing the bilateral friendship.
Trump, to be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, will attend official engagements in New Delhi and Ahmedabad and interact with a wide cross-section of Indian society during his two-day trip. He is undertaking the visit at Modi’s invitation.
“Extremely delighted that @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS will visit India on 24th and 25th February. India will accord a memorable welcome to our esteemed guests. This visit is a very special one and it will go a long way in further cementing India-USA friendship,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
“India and USA share a common commitment to democracy and pluralism. Our nations are cooperating extensively on a wide range of issues. Robust friendship between our nations augurs well not only for our citizens but also for the entire world,” he added.
Modi and Trump, who will be undertaking his first visit to India as the US President, will hold talks on a whole range of issues, covering bilateral matters and regional and international topics of mutual concern.
The issue of terrorism is expected to figure high in the talks, during which the Indian side is expected to draw Trump’s attention to the support being extended to the menace by Pakistan.
The two sides are also expected to deliberate extensively on the defence and security cooperation. The US has already granted ‘Major Defence Partner’ status to India four years back.
External Affairs Ministry yesterday said the global strategic partnership between India and the U.S. is based on trust, shared values, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
The relationship has further evolved under the leadership of Modi and Donald Trump, with significant progress in all areas including trade, defence, counter-terrorism, energy, coordination on regional and global issues as well as people-to-people ties, it said.
