Donald Trump India Visit: Ahmedabad Speech In Perspective

US President Donald Trump addressed a massive gathering of more than 1.25 lakh people in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel cricket stadium on Monday, as Prime Minister looked on.

Significantly, Donald Trump came to India emerging successfully from an impeachment trial in the US. As it turns out, India is the first country of his choice for a bilateral visit after acquittal by the Senate.

President Trump could not have chosen a better place for an ego-booster if he wanted one. The 1.25 lakh strong crowd roared to punctuate his speech each time there were references which struck a chord. These included the joint fight against terrorism, mention of Pakistan, Bollywood films, DDLJ and Sholay, cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli and the festivals of Diwali and Holi.

Modi, "My True Friend"

President Trump called PM Modi an "exceptional leader a great champion of India and my true friend". He dwelt on some of the accomplishments of the Modi government calling India "a miracle of democracy" which "gives hope to all of humanity".

In an oblique dig at China and its authoritarian system, President Trump hailed the India story because its achievements were rooted in a democratic process. He said, "You have done it as a peaceful country....And, you have done it as a great free country."

Self-Praise

President Trump hailed the achievements of the US under his Presidency. "Our economy is blooming like never before. Our people are prospering, and spirits are soaring.... Unemployment has hit historic low, and confidence of small businesses has hit an all-time record high in the history of our country," he remarked.

President Trump also lauded his Administration for overhauling the US military and described it as "the most powerful military anywhere in the world by far." He mentioned the killing of Islamic State outfit's chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

President Trump wooed Indian audiences back in the US in the election year, and Ahmedabad, therefore, is a place of added significance. The US has a large population of Indian Americans with roots in Gujarat, especially in swing states.