Trump shoots off charm tweet in Hindi before landing in Ahmedabad
And the PM replies on Twitter: Atithi devo bhava
Even before he landed at Ahmedabad, U.S. president Donald Trump began working the charm by tweeting in Hindi from Air Force One, saying he was eager to visit India.
“Ham Bharat Aane Ke Liye Tatpar Hain. Ham Raste Me Hain, Kuchh Hi Ghanton Me Ham Sabse Milenge. (We are eager to visit India. We are on our way and would be soon meeting all)”.
Trump landed around noon Monday in Ahmedabad in prime minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat. Modi was there to receive Trump at the airport.
The U.S. president is accompanied by first lady Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and the top brass of his administration.
Just before his departure, Trump said he had committed to visiting India long time back and he is looking forward to be with the people of India.
Trump's maiden visit to India is expected to significantly ramp up defence and strategic ties but there is doubt whether there will be a trade deal.
One point of curiousity is whether 10 million people lined up to see the President on the streets of Ahmedabad, a number supplied to Trump by Modi, apparently.
A big show titled Namaste Trump has been worked up for the president as a return gift for the Howdy M
From Ahmedabad, the US president will travel to Agra to have a glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal. The Trump family will spend about an hour at the Taj Mahal before sunset. Then they will leave for Delhi for the main leg of the visit.
On the morning of February 25, Trump and the First Lady would be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Responding to Trump’s tweet in Hindi, Modi tweeted, “Atithi devoi bhava (guests are like god).