9:25 PM

 

Melania Trump's trip to a Delhi school

US First Lady Melania Trump will interact with students at a Delhi government school and witness various activities conducted as part of the ‘happiness curriculum’ on Tuesday.

All roads leading to the school have been fortified, with trees being pruned according to the directions of the security agencies.

According to the sources, Melania Trump will reach the school in south Delhi around noon and spend over an hour there.

During the visit, she is likely to undertake a tour of the school, go to different classes, interact with the students and witness different activities being conducted as part of the ‘happiness curriculum’, they said. As part of the curriculum, which was started in July 2018, students studying in classes I-VIII in Delhi government schools attend a 45-minute ‘happiness class’ every day, participating in activities like storytelling, meditation and question and answer sessions. For nursery and kindergarten students, the classes are held twice a week.

The US First lady will visit the school solo.

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8:56 PM

 

Trump's note on Taj Mahal

US President Donald Trump said that the Taj Mahal as an “awe-inspiring” monument which is a “timeless testament” to the rich and diverse beauty of the Indian culture.

He wrote the glowing words in the visitor’s book of the Taj Mahal which he and his family visited in the evening during his brief visit to Agra.

“The Taj Mahal inspires awe, a timeless testament to the rich and diverse beauty of Indian Culture!’ Thank You, India,” the US President wrote in the visitors’ book and jointly signed it with the First Lady.

The Uttar Pradesh government also tweeted pictures of the couple as Trump signed the book, and the comments they left behind in it.

The couple spent about an hour at the iconic Taj Mahal complex and marvelled at the famed 17th century Mughal-era mausoleum built as a monument of love.

8:30 PM

 

Modi-Trump meet

President Trump and PM Modi will have extensive talks on Tuesday. Trump said the US is looking forward to providing India with some of the best and most feared military equipment on the planet. “I am pleased to announce that tomorrow our representatives will sign deals to sell over USD 3 billion in the absolute finest, state-of-the-art military helicopters and other equipment to the Indian armed forces,” Trump said.

Tuesday’s talks between Modi and Trump are likely to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests between India and the US on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military and economic clout.

In their talks, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to focus on a wide variety of bilateral and regional issues including trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, H1B, energy security, religious freedom, proposed peace deal with Taliban in Afghanistan and situation in the Indo-Pacific, according to Indian and US officials.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said last week that around five pacts providing for cooperation in areas of intellectual property rights, trade facilitation and homeland security are expected to be finalised during Trump’s visit.

However, the talks between the two leaders are unlikely to produce tangible outcome in resolving thorny issues like trade tariffs.

Schedule for Tuesday

On Tuesday morning, Trump and the First lady would be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there, they would go to Rajghat to pay homage at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.

It would be followed by restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi at Hyderabad House.

Prime Minister Modi would host a lunch for the US president following the talks.

In the afternoon, Trump is expected to attend certain private events at the US Embassy, including a roundtable with industry representatives. In the evening, the US president will meet President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A banquet will be hosted by Kovind. President Trump would depart from India later on Tuesday evening.

 

7:42 PM

 

US President Donald Trump arrived in New Delhi for the main leg of his maiden India trip, during which he will hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was received at the airport here by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and a number of senior officials.

He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday morning and he will will also pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Modi and Trump will later hold restricted and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The US President will be staying at ITC Maurya hotel.

 

7:23 PM

 

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh will not attend the official banquet hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind in honour of US President Donald Trump on February 25, sources said.

Singh had earlier accepted the invite, but expressed his inability to attend the same on Monday.

The opposition Congress is peeved at the Modi government’s move to not allow its top leaders a meeting with the visiting US president, as has been the tradition. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury is also skipping the President’s banquet in protest over the party’s top leaders not being extended an invitation.

6:30 PM

 

Here are some visuals of the Trumps' Taj Mahal tour.

 

 

5:20 PM

 

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the iconic Taj Mahal as they marvelled at the famed 17th century Mughal-era mausoleum built as a monument of lo

ve. They were accompanied by Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

President Trump and the First Lady held hands as they strolled at the Taj complex and later wrote in the visitors’ book. They were also briefed about the history and importance of the monument

The US President’s visit to Agra and Taj has generated huge excitement among local residents. Some shops have even displayed their own banners, welcoming Trump to India.

Extensive security

An extensive three-layered security is in place for Trump's Agra visit, and authorities had got the Taj Mahal premises cleared of visitors by noon, hours ahead of Trump’s visited the landmark.

Trump and the First Lady enjoyed the view of the marble marvel in the evening as a cool breeze added to the pleasant weather.

They also posed for pictures for photographers. The couple will spend about an hour at Taj to catch the sunset from the UNESCO heritage site, before heading to Delhi.

4:45 PM

 

The CPI(M) has urged the Centre to not fall prey to Trump's "agenda". The party said that the American president came to India to further prise open the Indian economy and boost US corporate interests.

“The Politburo of the CPI(M) calls upon the Modi government not to succumb to the unilateral agenda of US President Donald Trump on his visit to India. The singular intention of the US administration is to further prise open Indian economy to boost the US corporate interest and thus help the re-election bid of Trump,” it said.

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4:25 PM

 

US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrived in Agra to keep their date with the Taj Mahal. Hundreds of artistes welcomed the American president by showcasing rich culture of Uttar Pradesh.

On his arrival at the airbase, over 250 artistes drawn from different parts of Uttar Pradesh performed ‘Mayur dance’, ‘Rai folk dance’, Dhobia folk dance’, ‘bamrasia’ dance as sonorous sounds of nagada, dholak and mridang added to the festive ambience.

Trump was received at the Kheria airbase by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

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4:05 PM

White jumpsuit and green sash, Melania pays tribute to Indian textiles

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Melania Trump. Photo: PTI

 

Accessorising her white jumpsuit with a green silk and gold embroidered sash, US First Lady Melania Trump doffed her hat to Indian textile heritage on Monday when she landed here for the first leg of the US presidential visit.

The breezy white jumpsuit, by French-American costume designer Herve Pierre, was cinched at the waist with the moss green and golden metallic thread sash that was discovered by the designer in an early 20th century Indian textile documents given to him by his friends. READ MORE

3:30 PM

Traffic in parts of Delhi to be affected due to security measures

Traffic in some parts of the national capital, mostly central Delhi, will be affected on Monday and Tuesday due to security measures put in place for US President Donald Trump’s visit, officials said.

Trump, who is scheduled to arrive in the capital on Monday night, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including his family members.

An advisory issued by the Delhi Police stated that owing to security reasons, traffic in areas of Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48), Dhaula Kuan, Chanakyapuri, SP Marg, Ram Manohar Lohia hospital roundabout, and the adjoining areas is likely to remain heavy on Monday evening. -PTI

3:10 PM

Trump and Melania leave for Agra

From Ahmedabad, President Trump heads to Agra for a sunset visit to the iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum, before heading to New Delhi.

2.52 PM

Trump tweets in Hindi post Namaste Trump event

 

2.42 PM

US keen to boost defence equipment sales to India: Trump

US President Donald Trump vowed to boost trade ties between the United States and India, and said the United States was prepared to supply India with defence equipment ranging from drones to helicopters and missile systems.

We look forward to providing the “best and most feared military equipment” to India, said Trump. The US President said he looked forward to expanding space cooperation between the two nations, and said both sides were at the early stages of reaching an “incredible” trade agreement. - Reuters

2.28 PM

Security beefed up in Kashmir

Security has been increased across Kashmir as a precautionary measure in view of US President Donald Trump’s two-day visit, officials said. “In view of the incidents that have taken place in Kashmir ahead of high profile visits to the country, security has been strengthened in the Valley,” a senior police officer said.

In March 2000, Lashkar-e-Taiba militants killed 35 Sikhs in Chatisinghpora village in Anantnag district during the visit of former US president Bill Clinton to India.

The official said additional personnel from the police and paramilitary forces have been deployed here and elsewhere in the Kashmir Valley to ensure that militants are not able to carry out any attacks. Surveillance and area domination exercises have been intensified in some areas, he said.

Mobile vehicle check points have been set up at several places for curbing the movement of people who provide logistical support to militants, the official said. He said security arrangements have been beefed up as a precautionary measure.

The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has appealed to the community members to maintain vigil. “The visit of a high profile foreign personality, especially that from the US, leads to fear psychosis and panic among the Sikhs living in the Kashmir Valley. The Sikhs are feeling insecure and they fear that something untoward might happen,” APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said in a statement on Saturday, while referring to the 2000 incident. - PTI

2.20 PM

We will seal defence deals worth USD 3 billion on Tuesday: Donald Trump. We are quickly revitalising our alliances all around world, Trump said.

The US will become India’s premier defence partner, he added.

2.18 PM

US is India's largest export market, says Trump

2.15 PM

India and US have natural and enduring friendship: Trump

There is difference between nation that rises by coercion and one that rises by setting people free -- that is India, he adds.

India embraces individual freedom, rule of law, dignity of every human being and where people worship side-by-side in harmony, said Trump.

2.05 PM

The US will always be faithful and loyal friend of India; thank you for spectacular welcome: President Trump

2.04 PM

PM Modi is an exceptional leader; works day and night for India: Trump.

2.00 PM

Prime Minister is a moving story of an incredible rise, so is your nation. We are very very proud of India: US President Trump

2.00 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said ties between India and the US are no longer just another partnership but have touched far greater heights. Welcoming US president Donald Trump at the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at Motera stadium here, he said a “new history” is being created.

Visit of President Trump to India with his family shows strong ties between India and the US, said Modi.

“Welcome to world’s biggest democracy,” the Prime Minister said.- PTI

Read more: Trump’s visit ‘new chapter’ in historic Indo-US ties: PM Modi

1.54 PM

 

PM Modi welcomes First Lady Melania Trump, Daughter Ivanka Trump and Senior Advisor Jared   Kushner.

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Spectators cheer at Motera stadium.

 

 

1.50 PM

"Long-live US-India friendship", shouts PM Modi at the start of his speech.

He added, "India-US relationship is far greater...".

"We share hopes and aspirations," said Modi.

1.42 PM

 

PM Modi, US President Trump and First Lady Melania arrived at Motera stadium for the 'Namaste Trump'. PM Modi and US President hugged on the stage. 

1.40 PM

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1.20 PM

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1.03 PM

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12.50 PM

View from Motera stadium

 

motera3jpg

Thousands arrive at Motera Stadium fro the 'Namaste Trump' event

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Spectators all decked up ahead of the 'Namaste Trump' show.

 

12.35 PM

 PM Modi gives President Trump and Melania a tour of Sabarmati Ashram. Both Trump and Melania tried their hands at spinning the chakra.

12.27 PM

 

US President Donald Trump has now arrived at Sabarmati Ashram to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He, along with PM Modi hung a garland on the photo of Mahatma Gandhi at the Ashram.

modi-at-ashramjpg

US President Donald Trump tries his hands at spinning the chakra at Sabarmati Ashram

 

12.25 AM

 

 

12.18 AM

 

Trump, Modi embark on 22-km-long roadshow in Ahmedabad

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now embarked on a 22-km- long roadshow from the Ahmedabad International Airport.

Trump and Modi began their roadshow from the airport. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has left no stone unturned to make the roadshow a memorable experience for the dignitaries as well as the people.

Artistes and performers from many states were allotted a stage on the entire route to perform in their traditional attire. Around 50 stages were erected on the route, starting from the airport till Motera stadium via Indira bridge.

Authorities said over one lakh people are expected to line up along the route of the roadshow, which has been named as ‘India Road Show’ by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

During the roadshow, both the leaders are scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi spent 13 years during India’s freedom struggle.

After the roadshow, both the leaders will reach the newly-built cricket stadium in Motera to address a gathering of over one lakh people at the Namaste Trump event. - PTI

12.15 PM

 

PM Narendra Modi hugged Trump after the US President stepped out of aircraft; also greeted Melania. They received a grand welcome at the airport.

modi-2jpg

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad

 

POTUS is now headed to a 22-km road show. The first stop after the roadshow is Sabarmati Ashram.

11.55 AM

Sardar Patel Stadium or the Motera stadium is all set to welcome President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania.

 

11.45 AM

Trump lands in India

trump-flightJPG

US President lands in India.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Ahmedabad today for the first leg of his India trip.

The Air Force One plane carrying Trump and his wife Melania landed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here at 11.37 am, officials said.

It was scheduled to land at 11.40 am.

MODI-TRUMP-HUGjpg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, upon their arrival at the Ahmedabad Airport.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached Ahmedabad over an hour before Trump did, was present at the airport to welcome the US president at the airport - PTI  

11.37 AM

Over 10,000 policemen from different parts of Gujarat have been deployed in Ahmedabad as part of the elaborate security arrangements for US President Donald Trump’s visit. The massive police deployment is in addition to officials of the United States Secret Service, India’s elite National Security Guards (NSG) and the Special Protection Group who would also be guarding the US president’s visit. Read more on the strict security cover for the POTUS

11.30 AM

RePlug | Here is a throwback to the 'Howdy Modi' event that was held last year. Just like that event, 'Namaste Trump' is set to take place at the newly-built Sardar Patel Stadium in the Ahmedabad’s Motera area.

 

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11.20 AM

Modi replies to Trump in Hindi.  He tweeted: ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ while retweeting Trump's Hindi tweet.

 

11.00 AM

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10.55 AM

 

 

10.50 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Ahmebadad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Ahmedabad International Airport ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the city, where the two leaders will take part in the “Namaste Trump” event at Motera Stadium after holding a roadshow.

Modi reached Ahmedabad at 10.25 am, around one and a half hours before the arrival of Trump and his delegation.

He will receive Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump upon their arrival aboard the Air Force One flight, scheduled to land here at around 11.40 am, officials said. - PTI

10.45 AM

President Trump, tweets in Hindi, says: "We look forward to coming to India. We are on the way, we will meet everyone in a few hours!"

10.40 AM

Agra gets a make-over to welcome Trump

Taj-Mahal-in-Agrajpg

Workers clean the fountain in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra ahead of the visit of US President Donald Trump.

 

Walls are being adorned with paintings reflecting the Brij culture and architectural heritage of Agra, victorian-style lamp posts installed and the lawns of the iconic Taj Mahal bedecked with colourful blooms as the historic city gears up to welcome US President Donald Trump.

Trump is slated to arrive in Agra this evening after attending the mega ‘Namaste Trump’ event at the newly built Motera cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.

The city administration is all geared up for the big day and preparations are in full swing to present the “best face of Agra“. Read more about the new look Agra is sporting for POTUS visit

10.35 AM

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10.30 AM

Trump’s car ‘The Beast’ distressing Agra authorities, know why..

President Trump’s car nicknamed --The Beast -- has already arrived at the Agra airport to ferry the President and First Lady of US to one of the seven wonders of the world -- Taj Mahal. However, Agra authorities have raised concerns over the diesel-run car that is going to ferry around the Taj Mahal, Hindustan Times reported.

The Supreme Court order of India 1998 bars the use of any vehicle except electric conveyance in close proximity to the 16th-century monument.

Authorities also expressed concerns over The Beast which weighs around 6.4 tonnes, to cross a dilapidated railway overbridge along with a convoy of SUVs. Authorities claimed that the one-kilometre long bridge is made only for light vehicles, media report added. Read more about 'The Beast' and the problems being faced by authorities here

10.20 AM

Take a look at the pictures of all the American presidents who visited India over the years:  

 

10.10 AM

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10.00 AM

Here is the schedule for day-1 of Trump's visit to India

 

9.45 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  in a tweet said India awaits the arrival of US President Donald Trump, asserting that his visit will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

 

 

9.30 AM

US President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania and daughter Ivanka, is set to embark on his maiden two-day visit to India today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally receive them at Ahmedabad's Vallabhbhai Airport at noon. Click here to read about POTUS maiden India visit

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