President Trump: “I look forward to being with the people of India”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday before departing for India, “I look forward to being with the people of India.” Trump and first lady Melania Trump boarded Air Force One departing for India Sunday morning from Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. This will be President Trump’s first visit to the South Asian country where a sale worth several billion dollars for military helicopters and, possibly, a missile defense system, is likely to be sealed amid rising mutual concern about China’s military expansion. The president said Thursday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told him he will be greeted by up to 10 million people when Air Force One lands in Modi’s home state of Gujarat Monday morning. Indian officials, quoted by local media, predict a more modest crowd of about 100,000 to 150,000 (plus 12,000 police officers) when the president arrives for the dedication of the world’s largest cricket stadium — part of an event billed as “Namaste, Trump.” It is uncertain whether Trump will discuss the issue of Kashmir with Modi. Some members of the U.S. Congress are also expressing concern about Modi’s controversial move to give Indian citizenship to immigrants from three neighboring countries — unless they are Muslims.