On his maiden visit to India, US President Donald Trump was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a mammoth crowd at 'Namaste Trump' event at Ahmmedabad's Motera Stadium, the biggest cricket stadium in the world, Trump said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi started out as 'tea wallah' but he is very tough and everybody loves him.
"We will always remember this remarkable hospitality. India will hold a special place in our hearts. PM Modi started out as 'tea wallah', he worked as a tea seller. Everybody loves him but I will tell you this, he is very tough. India is a miracle of democracy," Trump said.
Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania and daughter Ivanka, arrived on Monday in Ahmedabad on a two-day trip to India.
The US President also said that five months ago America welcomed the "great Prime Minister" at a giant football stadium in Texas and today India welcomes him at the world's largest cricket stadium right here in Ahmedabad.
"America loves India, America respects India and America will always be a faithful and loyal friend to the Indian people," he said.
Trump sang praises for PM Modi remarking? that PM Modi is a tremendously successful leader of the vast Indian republic, adding that last year more than 600 million people went to the polls and gave him a landslide victory in the largest democratic elections anywhere on earth.
"You are living proof that with hard work and devotion Indian cam accomplish anything they want," he stressed.?
The US president's speech was also filled with some unexpected compliments for Bollywood and cricket.
Trump lauded the Indian cinema industry - Bollywood - with special shout outs to classic films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDJL) and 'Sholay' while addressing the gathering.
"All over the planet, people take great joy in scenes of Bhangra, music, dance, romance and drama... and classic Indian films like DDLJ and Sholay," the President said addressing the gathering.
Trump also lauded the Indian cinema for its capacity of producing over 2000 movies in a year.
"This is the country that produces nearly 2000 movies a year from the hub of genius and creativity known as Bollywood," Trump said.
He also acknowledged the popularity of cricket in the country, and named two legendary Indian cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
The? American president said, "This is the country where your people cheer on some of the world's greatest cricket players, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli."
Trump and Melania visited the Sabarmati Ashram before the 'Namaste Trump' event at Motera. They are now headed to the Taj Mahal in Agra.