India will purchase several military-grade helicopters from the United States as part of a $3 billion defense deal, President Trump announced during his state visit.
Prior to his stop by the Taj Mahal in Agra, Trump delivered a speech on Monday alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Sardar Patel Stadium, India’s largest cricket stadium, which can house more than 100,000 people. He said the U.S. approved India’s purchase of several military helicopters as part of a larger defense deal between the two democracies.
“The United States looks forward to providing India with the best and most-feared military equipment on the planet. We make the greatest weapons ever made — airplanes, missiles, rockets, ships. We make the best, and we are dealing now with India,” the president said.
Pres and Mrs Trump pose for the iconic photo with the Taj Mahal in the background. pic.twitter.com/xtbQ3M52st
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 24, 2020
He continued, “I am pleased to announce that tomorrow our representatives will sign deals to sell over $3 billion in the absolute finest, state-of-the-art military helicopters and other equipment to the Indian armed forces.”
Trump, who held a rally with Modi in Texas in September, described the friendship between the two nations as being strong. He called Modi a “great friend” and vowed that the U.S. and India would remain allies.
During his speech at the #NamasteTrump programme, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump highlighted aspects of his vision for USA. He also spoke at length about India’s greatness as well as the greatness of our culture, ethos, people and more. I thank him for his kind words. pic.twitter.com/T2trutWPqY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2020
“Namaste, and hello to India. This is such a great honor,” Trump said in greeting the crowd. “The first lady and I have just traveled 8,000 miles around the world to deliver a message to every citizen across this nation: America loves India, America respects India, and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”
Trump also tweeted in Hindi, touting the relationship between the U.S. and India.
प्रथम महिला और मैं इस देश के हर नागरिक को एक सन्देश देने के लिए दुनिया का 8000 मील का चक्कर लगा कर यहां आये हैं l अमेरिका भारत को प्रेम करता है – अमेरिका भारत का सम्मान करता है – और
अमरीका के लोग हमेशा भारत के लोगों के सच्चे और निष्ठावान दोस्त रहेंगे l https://t.co/1yOmQOEnXE— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020
The two nations were set to discuss trade during the state visit, but Trump said no deal has been finalized. He told reporters that he felt “no rush” to complete negotiations, adding, “We are doing well with India, we are making deals.”
Trump’s speech was met with warm applause from the packed stadium. He thanked the crowd for the “spectacular welcome” and said he would never forget the “remarkable hospitality” of the Indian people.
