US President Donald Trump along with a large official US delegation touched down in three cities on Day 1 of his whirlwind tour of India.
With diplomacy and global politics scheduled for Tuesday, Trump’s first day was filled with colourful performances and congratulatory speeches culminating in a calming visit to one of India’s most famous monuments, the Taj Mahal.
Earlier in the day, in Gujarat's Ahmedabad city, Trump addressed a huge crowd at the Motera cricket stadium.
"Namaste," he began to a thunderous round of applause, before referencing several Indian icons, from history to cricket to Bollywood, in the course of his speech.
"India will always hold a very special place in our hearts," he added. “India and the US share a natural, beautiful and enduring friendship. Powered by this spirit, Indians and Americans are thriving together for progress.”
He also had words of praise for Indian PM Modi. "Everybody loves him but I will tell you this, he is very tough. You are not just the pride of Gujarat, you are living proof that with hard work, Indians can accomplish anything they want."
Despite struggling to pronounce several Indian words – from Ahmedabad, the city where he was speaking, to Swami Vivekananda, an Indian philosopher to caling the ancient Hindu texts’ Vedas "Vestas", Trump was given a rousing reception.
On heading to Agra for a quick sightseeing trip, Trump and his wife Melania received a colourful welcome which included dancers dressed as peacocks and horses.
He was ushered to the Taj Mahal by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Trump was accompanied by his wife, 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.
On Twitter, his preferred social media platform, Trump gushed about his first official visit to India.
"First lady and I have travelled 8,000 miles around the world to give a message to each citizen of this country – America loves India, America respects India, and the people of America will always be true and committed friends of the people of India," the American leader tweeted in Hindi.
Trump was accorded a traditional welcome at the ITC Maurya hotel in the national capital from Agra. He is staying at the Grand Presidential Suite of the five-star property located in the Diplomatic Enclave in Chanakyapuri.
