India will buy $3 billion worth of military equipment, including attack helicopters, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday, in further evidence of deepening ties between the two countries acting as a counterbalance to the rising weight of China in the region.
India and the United States were also making progress on a big trade deal, Reuters reports. Negotiators from the two sides are working to narrow differences on farm goods, medical devices, digital trade and new tariffs.
Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the growing defense and commercial ties between the world’s two largest democracies even as they acknowledged that a trade deal between them remains some way off.
Trump said he was “optimistic” a trade pact could be reached eventually, and claimed ties between the U.S. and India had reached historic strength.
“It has never been as good as it is right now,” Trump said during a statement after his meeting, citing his personal bond with Modi as the underpinning.
This red state is strengthening its grip as America’s next economic heavyweight
Mickey Mouse Massacre: Disney Has Third Round of Layoffs, Hitting ESPN, Pixar, More
Everyday Revolutionary War heroes take center stage in Trump’s ‘Spirit of ’76’ exhibit
Watch: Red Skelton’s Legendary Pledge of Allegiance Performance for Kids Resurfaces After Another Dem Lawmaker Disrespects the Pledge
Video: Missouri High-Speed Chase Suspect Survives After Stopping Car, Swan Diving Off Bridge to Escape Cops
Missing Grand Canyon hiker, 83, rescued after getting separated from companion
Listen: As Islamists Slaughter Christians, Democrat Candidate Warns Christians Feel ‘Very Threatening’ to Her – She’s a Christian Minister
Manhunt underway after Berlin Pride van-ramming kills one and injures 16
‘Vibrant’ Florida grandma allegedly killed by illegal immigrant outside Publix, family fights for justice
Trump’s SAVE America Act stalls as McConnell’s absence complicates Senate path
EXCLUSIVE: Legal group tells NYPD cops they can contact ICE directly despite blue city’s sanctuary rules
100 day sprint to the midterms kicks off as Republicans and Democrats clash for control across the country
The DSA’s dumbed-down definition of working class is designed to deceive
WATCH: Democrats blast Trump Saudi nuclear deal as GOP touts regional alliance
California authorities search for 2 children allegedly abducted by father, fear for their safety
“We feel very strongly about each other. We have done something that is very unique,” he said.
Trump said his visit had been productive with the conclusion of deals to buy helicopters for the Indian military. India is buying 24 SeaHawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin equipped with Hellfire missiles worth $2.6 billion and also plans a follow-on order for six Apache helicopters.
India is modernising its military to narrow the gap with China and has increasingly turned to the United States over traditional supplier, Russia.
As Breitbart News reported, Trump has been accorded an astonishing welcome since he arrived in India on Monday.
“America loves India, America respects India, and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people,” Trump said within hours of arriving to a crowd of more than 100,000 people at India’s Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The president delivered a speech flattering India’s rise to prosperity under Modi as the largest Democracy in the world and a friend to the United States.
“The story of the Indian nation is a tale of astounding progress, a miracle of democracy, extraordinary diversity, and above all, a strong and noble people,” Trump said.
This red state is strengthening its grip as America’s next economic heavyweight
Mickey Mouse Massacre: Disney Has Third Round of Layoffs, Hitting ESPN, Pixar, More
Everyday Revolutionary War heroes take center stage in Trump’s ‘Spirit of ’76’ exhibit
Watch: Red Skelton’s Legendary Pledge of Allegiance Performance for Kids Resurfaces After Another Dem Lawmaker Disrespects the Pledge
Video: Missouri High-Speed Chase Suspect Survives After Stopping Car, Swan Diving Off Bridge to Escape Cops
Missing Grand Canyon hiker, 83, rescued after getting separated from companion
Listen: As Islamists Slaughter Christians, Democrat Candidate Warns Christians Feel ‘Very Threatening’ to Her – She’s a Christian Minister
Manhunt underway after Berlin Pride van-ramming kills one and injures 16
‘Vibrant’ Florida grandma allegedly killed by illegal immigrant outside Publix, family fights for justice
Trump’s SAVE America Act stalls as McConnell’s absence complicates Senate path
EXCLUSIVE: Legal group tells NYPD cops they can contact ICE directly despite blue city’s sanctuary rules
100 day sprint to the midterms kicks off as Republicans and Democrats clash for control across the country
The DSA’s dumbed-down definition of working class is designed to deceive
WATCH: Democrats blast Trump Saudi nuclear deal as GOP touts regional alliance
California authorities search for 2 children allegedly abducted by father, fear for their safety
On Tuesday the president elaborated, saying he and first lady Melania Trump “have been awed by the majesty of India” and will ”always remember the magnificent welcome” they received upon their arrival.
On the second day of his whirlwind trip, Trump described his time in India as “amazing in every sense of the word.” And he said progress is being made on future trade, fighter jet purchases and energy.
Story cited here.
