India / PM Modi hugs US President Donald Trump as he receives him at Ahmedabad Airport

US President Donald Trump landed at Ahmedabad to a red-carpet welcome and a warm hug from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday before setting off on a roadshow, first to the Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram on the Sabarmati riverfront and later to Motera stadium.

Trump, who has been excited about the roadshow and the huge reception at the 1.1 lakh-seat cricket stadium, is accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

“Your visit is definitely going to further strengthen the friendship between our nations,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted ahead of Trump’s arrival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/MVeLHWt9jq

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020

Tens of thousands of people, many of them wearing white hats saying “Namaste Trump” or cardboard masks of Trump, have lined up along the route to the giant stadium to welcome the US President.

During the talks, Modi and Trump are expected to focus on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues including trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, energy security, religious freedom, proposed peace deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan and the situation in the Indo-Pacific, according to officials.

Before leaving the White House, Trump told reporters on Sunday that he felt the two-day trip was not long enough, although it will be very exciting.

“I’m going to be there one night. That’s not too much. But it’s going to be very exciting,” he said.

“I look forward to being with the people of India. We’re going to have many millions and millions of people,” Trump added.

With the campaign for the November presidential election in full swing, the US President has a tight schedule.

A day after his return, Trump is to attend a campaign rally in South Carolina on Thursday before the state’s primary election on Saturday.