*Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020 *

**Remarks in a Curtesy Call to President Ram Nath Kovind of India in New Delhi, India **

*February 25, 2020 *

*President Kovind.* Excellency, I warmly welcome you, the First Lady, and the high-level delegation on your state visit to India.

Excellency, your first-ever visit to India as President of the United States was eagerly awaited. It is an honor for us to host you.

Excellency, the attention and interest, which your visit has generated in India, is truly remarkable. This shows the respect and good will of the people of India, for you as well as the United States.

Excellency, your participation in the "Howdy Modi" event had already won the hearts of millions of Indians. And the "Namaste Trump" event held yesterday has brought you even more closer to the people of India.

*President Trump.* Yes.

*President Kovind.* Yes. Excellency, it is the first time that such a large-scale reception has taken place to welcome a foreign leader.

Excellency, you are a valued friend of India. Our bilateral relations have been progressing very well in your visit. India is deeply content to further deepen our strategic partnership.

Excellency, I once again welcome you. Thank you. If you would give remarks.

*President Trump.* Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. It's an honor to be with you both and with your representatives. And we did a lot of work over the last 2 days. We did a lot flying to get here, but a lot of work and very productive work.

And we've seen a good deal of your country, and it's a great country. The relationship has never been better between India and the United States. And, as you know, we're working on major trade deals and military purchase deals and a lot of other things. And very positive things.

And I just want to thank you. Ma'am, I'd like to thank you very much. This is a great honor to have met you. And, on behalf of the First Lady, myself, and all of my representatives, this was a tremendous learning experience and something very special.

India, to me, is a very, very special nation, and it's great to be with you. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

*President Kovind.* Thank you, Excellency. Thank you.

NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 7:50 p.m. at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential palace. In his remarks, he referred to Savita Kovind, wife of President Kovind. Audio was not available for verification of the content of President Kovind's remarks.

*Categories:* Meetings With Foreign Leaders and International Officials : India, President Kovind*.*

*Locations: *New Delhi, India.

*Names:* Kovind, Ram Nath; Kovind, Savita; Trump, Melania*.* *Subjects:* India : President; India : President Trump's visit; India : Relations with U.S.; India : Security cooperation with U.S.; India : Trade with U.S.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD202000099.