India News
Donald Trump India Visit LIVE: ‘Trade deal’ underway as India raise H1-B visa issue
On the second day of his maiden trip, US President Donald Trump reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi at around 10 am. After a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Published
6 years agoon
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On the second day of his maiden trip, US President Donald Trump reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi at around 10 am. After a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
On the first day, US President Donald Trump received a grand welcome, which included a 22-km roadshow and the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at a packed Motera Stadium with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business between the countries is set to dominate the agenda between the two leaders today.
6:25 pm: We are being charged large amount of tariffs. I think you have to pay the highest tariff when you deal with India, Harley-Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs when they send motorcycles here and when India sends to us, there is virtually no tariff: US President Donald Trump.
6:17 pm: India is going to be a major player in the next 50 to 100 years. India is going to have a phenomenal future: Donald Trump.
6:04 pm: Anything I can do to mediate or help, I would do. They (Pakistan) are working on Kashmir. Kashmir has been a thorn in lots of people’s sight for a long time. There are two sides to every story. We discussed terrorism at length today.: Donald Trump.
6:04 pm: We talked a lot about terrorism emanting from Pakistan at length today. There is no question that it is a problem. They are working on it. I said I will do whatever I can do to help because my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan) is so good; Donald Trump.
5:57 pm: US President Donald Trump reiterated his offer of mediation between in India and Pakistan on Kashmir.
5:52 pm: “We killed Al-Baghdadi and took 100 percent of the Caliphate,” says US President Donald Trump. He adds that Russia, Syria and Iran should also work towards tackling radical Islamic terrorism.
5:50 pm: “We did talk about religious freedom. PM Modi believes in religious freedom,” says Donald Trump.About the violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act in Delhi, Trump said, “I heard about it, but we did not discuss it.” He added that the CAA is India’s matter.
5:47 pm: “Intelligence agencies never told me”, says US President Donald Trump when asked whether Russia was trying to influence US presidential poll.
5:46 pm: I have done more than anyone else to destroy terrorism till date: Donald Trump.
5:45 pm: The Afghan deal is likely to happen. I spoke to PM Modi about the Afghan deal, and we are trying to bring out young people home. Don’t want to kill millions of innocent people.: Donald Trump.
5:41 pm: Everybody is happy about our deal with Taliban, and India would also like this. We have been there (in Afghanistan) for 19 years and we are trying very hard. There is tremendous praise for what we are doing: Donald Trump.
5:39 pm: India is investing in US energy. We have just had a meeting with the biggest businessmen in India. They are investing billions in the US: Donald Trump.
5:38 pm: I have great relationship with PM Narendra Modi. We have signed a pact with India on energy. We have also signed a $3 billion chopper deal: US President Donald Trump.
5:36 pm: US President Donald Trump says that PM Narendra Modi is a terrific leader.” We have had a great time in India, this is a tremendous country. It’s been great and fantastic two days in India. India is a tremendous market and they really like us,” says Trump.
5:00 pm: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks for five hours in New Delhi today, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla while addressing the media after the meeting on Tuesday. READ FULL STORY HERE
4:45 pm: “From our side, the issue of H-1B visa was raised. It was pointed that Indian professionals contribute significantly to the development of high-tech sector in the United States,” said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
4:30 pm: “It has been an honour to be here. You have a very special Prime Minister, he really knows what he is doing. He is a tough man. He has done a fantastic job. We work very closely together,” said US President Donald Trump after interacting with industry leaders in Delhi.
4:25 pm:
US President Donald J Trump interacts with business leaders in Delhi; Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani present at the meeting. pic.twitter.com/MiLgOKMO4J
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020
4:20 pm: “We are going to cut a lot more regulations. Some have to go through the statutory process,” US President Donald Trump said in his address.
4:15 pm: “The Indian side raised the issue of H1B visa and highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals in the IT sector,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.
4:05 pm: “The PM & President said there was useful & comprehensive discussion on trade, there was an appreciation that it increased steadily year on year over the last few years. US exports to India also had a fairly dramatic increase,” said Foreign Secretary Harsh Varsdhan Shringla.
4:00 pm: “I feel I am going to win the coming US Presidential elections; when we win, markets will go up. If I do not win, markets will crash like never before,” the US President said.
3:55 pm: Indian purchase of US crude oil has risen from 25,000 barrels per day to 2,50,000 bpd, said US Energy Secretary.
3:50 pm: “US is fully prepared to tackle Coronavirus. China is working very hard to contain coronavirus; it looks like they are getting it more and more under control,” President Trump added.
3:45 pm: “China is working very hard, I have spoken to President Xi. It looks like China is getting the coronavirus outbreak under control,” said US President Donald Trump.
3:30 pm: “Our teams have made tremendous progress on a comprehensive trade agreement. I am optimistic that we can reach a deal that will be of great importance to both countries. Since, I took office US exports to India are up nearly 60 per cent and exports of high quality American energy have grown by 500 per cent,” Trump said while addressing business leaders at the US Embassy.
2:15 pm: “Our teams have made tremendous progress for a comprehensive trade agreement and I’m optimistic we can reach a deal of great importance to both countries. Since I took office, US exports to India are up nearly 60% and exports of high quality American energy have grown by 500%. During our visit we discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with where it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship,” said US President Donald Trump.
2:10 pm: “Earlier today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than USD 3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache & MH-60 Romeo Helicopters – finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities,” US President Donald Trump added to his address.
2:05 pm:
‘During our discussions today, we had a Productive exchange on all important aspects of our relationship’: PM @narendramodi at the #JointPressStatement at Hyderabad House, #NewDelhi, with US President @realDonaldTrump#TrumpInIndia pic.twitter.com/GsIV72f1Eb
— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 25, 2020
2:00 pm: “Melania and I have been awed by the majesty of India and the exceptional generosity and kindness of the Indian people. We will always remember the magnificent welcome the citizens of your home state (Gujarat) showed us upon arrival,” US President Donald Trump said while addressing the media.
1:50 pm: “We resolved to step up efforts to make those who support terrorism, responsible. Our commerce ministers have had positive talks on trade. Both of us have decided that our teams should give legal shape to these trade talks. We also agreed to open negotiations on a big trade deal. The most important foundation of the special relationship between India and the USA is people to people contact. Professionals, students, the Indian diaspora in USA have a major contribution in this,” PM Modi while addressing the media.
1: 45 pm: “Today we discussed every important aspect of US-India partnership, be it defence and security, energy strategic partnership, trade or people to people ties. The strengthening in defence ties between India and US is an important aspect of our partnership,” said PM Modi while addressing the media.
“President Trump and I have met five times over the last 8 months. We are elevating our relationship to Comprehensive global strategic partnership level. We are increasing our cooperation in homeland security. We have decided to increase our efforts to fight terror to fight organised crime, drugs, narcotics cooperation will be stepped up,” PM Modi added.
1:40 pm: The United States and India signed three agreements:
1. MoU on mental health
2. MoU on safety of medical products
3. Letter of cooperation between Indian oil corporation and Exxon and chart
1:35 pm: Melania Trump leaves from Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura, after meeting and interacting with the students there.
1:20 pm: “People here are so welcoming and so kind. In the US, I work with children like you to promote similar ideas of well-being through my ‘BE BEST’ initiative. Three pillars of ‘BE BEST’ include dangers of drug abuse, importance of online safety and overall well-being of children,” Melania Trump tells students at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura.
1:15 pm: “It is great to join you at your beautiful school. This is my first visit to India and I cannot tell you how delightful it is. The President and I are happy to be here,” First Lady Melania Trump said while addressing the students.
1:05 pm:
Delhi: Students perform on a folk song during the visit of the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura. https://t.co/okwYYrOuo6 pic.twitter.com/zF6yBOu0mc
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020
12:45 pm: “The last two days, especially yesterday at the stadium, it was a great honour for me. People were there maybe more for you (PM Modi) than for me. 125 thousand people were inside. Every time I mentioned you, they cheered more. People love you here,” US President tells PM Modi.
12:40 pm: “I welcome you and the US delegation to India. I know that you are busy these days, still, you took out time for the visit to India. I am grateful to you for this,” PM Modi said during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House.
12:30 pm: Melania Trump interacts with the students at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura while attending a ‘Happiness Class’ session. Happiness curriculum was developed by Delhi Deputy CM for students of classes nursery to eighth standard.
#WATCH Delhi: First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump interacts with students and teachers at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura. pic.twitter.com/Tjn7t7dnAK
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020
12:15 pm:
Its a proud moment for my Team Education of Delhi today. All are excited to see @FLOTUS in one of our school.
She just visited ‘room to read’ now she would move for #HappinessClass and then address the kids in assembly.— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) February 25, 2020
12:10 pm:
Delhi: First Lady of the US, Melania Trump meets and interacts with students at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School. pic.twitter.com/OGKPgr70IL
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020
12:00 pm: First Lady Melania Trump arrives at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School.
11:40 am:
.@FLOTUS will attend happiness class in our school today. Great day for our teachers, students and Delhiites. For centuries, India has taught spirituality to the world. Am happy that she will take back the msg of happiness from our school
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 25, 2020
11:30 am: First Lady Melania Trump will attend a session of the ‘Happiness Class’ at the Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School in Delhi.
11:15 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump, at Hyderabad House.
11:10 am:
Delhi: US President Donald Trump’s message in the visitor’s book at Raj Ghat, ‘The American people stand strongly with a sovereign and wonderful India – The vision of the great Mahatma Gandhi. This is a tremendous honor!’ pic.twitter.com/Rr7dU7m44z
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020
11:05 am:
Delhi: US President Donald Trump & First Lady Melania Trump plant a tree at Raj Ghat. pic.twitter.com/4llGqhmxXV
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2020
10:50 am: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during the wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat.
10:45 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Hyderabad House where US President Donald Trump is expected to hold talks on business shortly.
10:40 am:
Instead of selling $3 billion in weapons to enrich Raytheon, Boeing and Lockheed, the United States should be partnering with India to fight climate change.
We can work together to cut air pollution, create good renewable energy jobs, and save our planet. https://t.co/nqKS2CWypT
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 24, 2020
10:30 am:
LIVE: Ceremonial welcome of President @realDonaldTrump at Rashtrapati Bhavan https://t.co/7W4MyV7XAT
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 25, 2020
10:25 am: Senator Ted Cruz, who was the runner-up for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 election, said that India is a friend, an ally and the largest democracy on Earth.
10:10 am: President Ram Nath Kovind, his wife Savita Kovind and PM Narendra Modi receive US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
10:04 am: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania reach Rashtrapati Bhawan.
10:00 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar arrive at the Rashtrapatri Bhawan.
9:55 am: US President Donald Trump is scheduled to reach the Rashtrapati Bhawan shortly for the ceremonial reception by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
9:45 am: Ivanka Trump arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the ceremonial reception of the US President.
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Thick smog engulfs Delhi, flights and trains delayed as air quality slips to very poor
Delhi remained under a thick smog cover as air quality dipped into the very poor category, causing delays in flights and train services due to low visibility.
Published
2 days agoon
December 20, 2025
A dense blanket of smog covered Delhi on Saturday morning, pushing air quality into the ‘very poor’ category and disrupting flight and train operations across the national capital and adjoining areas. Reduced visibility due to smog led to delays in air and rail traffic, while authorities warned that pollution levels could worsen further in the coming days.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 380, placing it in the ‘very poor’ bracket. Visuals from Bhairav Marg near Pragati Maidan showed motorists using headlights during early hours, as visibility remained low. At around 7 am, the AQI at this location stood at 433.
Nearly half of Delhi’s air quality monitoring stations reported ‘severe’ pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 428 with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant, while Jahangirpuri reported an AQI of 425.
Transport services hit by low visibility
Flight operations at Delhi airport were impacted due to low visibility conditions. The airport issued an advisory asking passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information, as low visibility procedures were in place. Runway visibility was reported to be between 800 and 1,200 metres.
Live flight tracking data showed multiple flights running behind schedule. One airline also warned passengers about possible disruptions at several airports in northern and eastern India, including Delhi, due to dense fog conditions. Travellers were advised to verify flight status before heading to the airport, with options offered on select flights to reschedule or seek refunds without additional charges.
Rail services were also affected, with more than 30 trains running late by an average of three to four hours. Some long-distance trains reported delays of over six to eight hours, causing inconvenience to passengers travelling to and from the capital.
Air quality likely to worsen
The weather department had earlier forecast dense to very dense fog at isolated places over Delhi and several parts of north and central India. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, pollution levels are expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday and may slip into the ‘severe’ category on Sunday and Monday. In view of the deteriorating conditions, an ‘orange’ alert has been issued for Saturday.
India News
PM Modi inaugurates India’s first nature-themed airport terminal in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the new nature-themed terminal at Guwahati airport, the largest in Northeast India, built around bamboo, orchids and regional heritage.
Published
2 days agoon
December 20, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati today, marking a major milestone for aviation infrastructure in the Northeast. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,000 crore, the facility is being projected as the largest airport terminal in the region and a key boost to connectivity, tourism and economic activity in Assam.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati around 3 pm as part of his two-day visit to the state.
Northeast’s largest airport terminal takes shape in Guwahati
The newly constructed terminal is nearly seven times larger than the existing one and has been designed to cater to the region’s rapidly growing air traffic. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle up to 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032.
Officials said the terminal is planned as a regional connectivity hub, with a focus on strengthening air links between India and Southeast Asia. The airport will be capable of handling up to 34 air traffic movements per hour, the highest capacity among airports in the Northeast. The facility will also be equipped with one of the most advanced Instrument Landing Systems to support safer and more efficient operations.
Nature-inspired design rooted in Assam’s identity
What sets the Guwahati terminal apart is its distinctive nature-themed architecture. Conceptualised under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”, it is being described as India’s first airport terminal inspired entirely by natural and cultural elements.
The interiors draw from the landscapes of Northeast India, with design elements reflecting indigenous orchids, locally known as Kopou Phool, and the flow of the Brahmaputra river. The terminal incorporates more than 2,000 species of plants, includes a dedicated zone inspired by Kaziranga National Park, and features artefacts representing Majuli Island.
A key architectural highlight is the expansive bamboo vault, created using around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo. The space has been envisioned as a multifunctional cultural centre aimed at encouraging community interaction and showcasing the region’s heritage. Design elements such as japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns further reinforce the cultural narrative.
Arriving passengers will also experience a unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species, designed to create an immersive forest-like ambience within the terminal.
Focus on digital integration and passenger convenience
Spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, the integrated new terminal has been designed to handle around 1.3 crore passengers annually. It is supported by significant upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways.
The terminal places strong emphasis on digital integration, with 14 entry points, including four DigiYatra gates, aimed at easing passenger movement. Facilities such as full-body scanners for non-intrusive security checks, automated baggage handling systems, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations have been incorporated to ensure smoother travel experiences.
Other engagements during PM Modi’s Assam visit
During his two-day stay, the Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for multiple development projects and address public gatherings. He is scheduled to visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra to pay tribute to the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement.
Later in the day, PM Modi will perform the bhoomipujan for a new brownfield Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project at Namrup in Dibrugarh district, within the existing premises of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited.
India News
Assam train accident: Eight elephants killed after Rajdhani Express derailment in Hojai
Eight elephants were killed after the Rajdhani Express collided with a herd in Assam’s Hojai district, causing multiple coaches to derail and disrupting train services.
Published
2 days agoon
December 20, 2025
At least eight elephants were killed and a calf was injured after a herd collided with the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam’s Hojai district, leading to the derailment of the locomotive and five coaches early Saturday. Railway officials confirmed that no passengers were injured in the incident.
Forest department officials said the collision occurred when the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants on the tracks. The impact caused multiple coaches to derail, disrupting rail traffic on the busy route connecting the Northeast with the national capital.
Train services hit, passengers shifted to other coaches
Following the derailment, rail movement towards Upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast was affected due to damaged coaches and elephant remains scattered on the tracks. Accident relief trains and senior railway officials rushed to the site to restore services.
Passengers travelling in the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other coaches of the same train. Officials said that once the train reaches Guwahati, additional coaches will be attached to ensure all passengers can continue their journey.
Collision occurred outside designated elephant corridor
According to officials, the accident took place at a location that is not marked as a designated elephant corridor. The loco pilot reportedly applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd on the tracks, but the elephants ran into the train, resulting in the collision and derailment.
Forest authorities confirmed that eight elephants died on the spot, while one injured calf was rescued. Local residents said the herd consisted of around eight elephants at the time of the accident.
Elephant deaths in train accidents remain a concern
The incident comes amid continued concerns over wildlife deaths on railway tracks. Data shared by the Environment Ministry in Parliament earlier showed that at least 79 elephants have died in train collisions across India over the past five years, based on reports from states and Union Territories.
The ministry has said that several preventive steps are being taken in coordination with the Railways, including speed restrictions in elephant habitats, use of sensor-based detection systems, and construction of underpasses, ramps and fencing at vulnerable locations. Guidelines and capacity-building programmes have also been introduced to reduce human-animal conflict along railway lines.
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Thick smog engulfs Delhi, flights and trains delayed as air quality slips to very poor
