As Gujarat warms up for visit, Modi says ''honour'' to host Trump
Workers prepare a hoarding with the images of the U.S. President Donald Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Trump's visit, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad on February 19, 2020. (REUTERS Photo)
New Delhi, February 23 (IANS): Twenty-four hours before the Trumps land in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is "looking forward" to welcoming US President Donald Trump.
Retweeting a video by Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat, where Trump will land first, Modi said: "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!"
Earlier, the Gujarat Chief Minister tweeted a video where people from all languages were seen excited about the Trump visit and drawing a parallel between Modi''s ''Make in India'' and Trump''s ''Make America Great Again'' slogans. The video aimed to showcase India''s rich diversity. Rupani said: "Entire Gujarat speaks in one voice- #NamasteTrump!"
Trump will arrive in Ahmedabad on Monday where he will deliver a speech at Sardar Patel Stadium with Modi.
With Modi, the US President and First Lady Melania Trump will then head to Agra where they will visit the Taj Mahal.
Later in the day, they will fly to New Delhi and have a full programme on Tuesday.
The US on Saturday officially confirmed that a 12-person delegation will accompany President Trump and First Lady Melania during their two-day trip to India from February 24.
Shah reviews Ahmedabad security
Ahead of US President Donald Trump''s visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday arrived here to take stock of security arrangements.
Trump, along with his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, will pay a two-day visit to India, starting February 24. Besides Ahmedabad, Trump will also visit Delhi and Agra.
In view of the Trump''s visit, a security mock drill for the road show between the airport and the Motera stadium was carried out on Sunday. During the mock drill, Modi''s convoy and vehicles of Trump''s security officials began the 9-km long road show from the airport and reached the stadium via Airport Circle, Sardar Nagar Circle and Indira Bridge.
At the stadium, there will be a 3-hour long programme including public interaction and cultural programmes.
