Trump arrives in India to speak at large rally, first visit as president

President Trump departed the White House for Ahmedabad, India, where he said he'll be ‘talking trade’ with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; The Center for Strategic and International Studies senior adviser Richard Rossow weighs in.

President Trump, in his first official visit to India on Monday, was greeted by overflowing crowds and a massive stadium rally where he announced a $3 billion deal that will send state-of-the-art military helicopters to the country.
The "Namaste Trump" rally was a sequel to the "Howdy, Modi" event Trump held with prime minister Narendra Modi in Houston last September.
Trump's motorcade passed along seemingly endless crowds in Ahmedabad with many cheering and waving American flags on the way to the 110,000 capacity Sardar Patel Stadium where the rally was conducted.
Large billboards were spread throughout the route showing Trump alongside Modi and his wife Melania.

A man takes a selfie with portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted on a wall ahead of Trump's visit, in Ahmadabad, India, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. Trump is scheduled to visit the city during his Feb. 24-25 India trip. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Near the entrance to the stadium, camels on either side of the road were seen greeting him, which the announcers described as a "camelcade." The largest cricket stadium in the world appeared to be full, with banners displaying Trump's name throughout.
Before Modi and Trump came out on stage, the song "Macho Man" by the Village People was heard playing in the stadium. When the music stopped, they arrived on stage, and both leaders held the arms of each other into the air.
Shortly after each country's national anthem played, Modi began speaking to the crowd about shared values and ideas as Trump sat in his chair beside Melania. All three were located in a large bulletproof container that took up most of the stage.
When Modi handed the podium to Trump, the president thanked those in attendance for the welcome he received, adding that he and Melania would remember the hospitality given.
"America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the India people," Trump said.
Trump also touted the peacefulness of India in the past. Later he announced that he will sell 3 billion dollars worth of state of art helicopters and other equipment to the country.
"I am pleased to announce that tomorrow our representatives will sign deals to sell over three billion dollars in the absolute finest state of the art military helicopters and other equipment to the Indian armed forces," Trump said.
He also announced that his administration is working with Pakistan to crackdown on terrorists operating in the country. At the same time, he exclaimed his relationship with Pakistan is a "very good one."
Trump is expected to visit the iconic Taj Mahal later in the day.