PM Narendra Modi hugged Trump and shook hands with First Lady Melania Trump after the Air Force One touched down at the airport (Photo Credit: Twitter @narendramodi)
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump with his famous "bear-hug" on his arrival in India at Ahmedabad airport. Donald Trump arrived in India for his first state visit on Monday. PM Modi hugged Trump and shook hands with First Lady Melania Trump after the Air Force One touched down at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Trump is accompanied by daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and a high-level delegation on the visit.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also present at the airport along with other officials to welcome the visiting dignitaries. As he walked the red carpet the US President was accorded a tri-service guard of honour. "Hum Bharat aane ke liye tatpar hain. Hum raste me hain, kuchh hi ghanton me hum sab milenge (We are excited to come to India. We are on the way, we will be meeting in some time from now)," Trump had tweeted in Hindi before departing from US visit. "Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God)," PM Modi had tweeted re-tweeting Trump's Hindi tweet.
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Earlier, PM had in a tweet said: "India awaits your arrival @POTUS @realDonaldTrump! Your visit is definitely going to further strengthen the friendship between our nations. See you very soon in Ahmedabad."
The legendary Air Force One, emblazoned with the words "United States of America," the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, landed at the Ahmedabad airport shortly before 12 PM.
Donald Trump stepped out wearing a black suit and a buttercup yellow tie while the first lady was in a white jumpsuit by French-American costume designer Herve Pierre. In a hat tip to Indian textiles, the jumpsuit was paired with a green silk with gold thread embroidery discovered by the designer in an early 20th century Indian textile documents given to him by his friends.
The first stop in the Trump visit was the Sabarmati Ashram, home to Mahatma Gandhi between 1917 and 1930 during India's freedom struggle.
The 22-km 'India roadshow' began as the cavalcade, with the US president's gleaming black car that has earned the moniker 'The Beast', moved out of the airport towards the Ashram and then to stadium. About 50 stages were set up on the way, showcasing dance groups and singers from different parts of the country. Over 10,000 police personnel, besides officials of the United States Secret Service, and personnel of the National Security Guards (NSG) and the Special Protection Group (SPG) were deployed for the high profile visit.
(With Agency Inputs)
