With plans confirmed that US President Donald Trump will visit Ahmedabad during his tour to India, excitement has started over the kind of welcome the US leader will get in the home turf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
And given Trump's propensity for hyperbole, the excitement may only grow. Interacting with reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump claimed, "He (Modi) said we will have millions and millions of people (to welcome them). He thinks we will have 5 to 7 million people just from the airport to the new stadium (Motera)."
Trump added, "He (Modi) is a friend of mine; he is a great gentleman and I look forward to going to India." However, Trump was non-committal when asked about speculation on a possible trade deal with India. Trump said, "They wanted to do something. We will see if we can make the right deal...”
The highlight of Trump's visit to Ahmedabad is expected to be a joint event for the inauguration of the Motera stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 1 lakh people. According to reports, the Modi government is planning an event at Motera along the lines of the 'Howdy, Modi' event that the two leaders addressed in Texas last year. The event is being referred to as Kem Chho, Trump (how are you, Trump).
The Hindu reported late on Tuesday that the Kem Chho, Trump event at Motera will be attended by around 1.25 lakh people. The Hindu reported, "As per the instructions from the PMO, the Gujarat government has directed its departments and agencies to ensure that a crowd of 1.25 lakh is organised for the event. The stadium’s seating capacity is 1.10 lakh; 15,000 people will be seated on the ground in front of the stage." The attendees will include senior executives from various companies.
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According to The Hindu, Trump's India visit will begin on February 24 with the US leader arriving in Ahmedabad, where he will be greeted by Modi. Trump and Modi will then travel to Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram.
Trump is the latest foreign leader that Modi has taken to Ahmedabad. Since 2014, Modi has taken China's President Xi Jinping, Japan's Shinzo Abe and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu to Ahmedabad.
