Trump spent his first visit to India amid roaring crowds, a stop at Gandhi's home, and a massive rally
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
President Donald Trump spent two days in India amid a whirlwind of meetings, adoring crowds, and traditional sightseeing amid deadly protests elsewhere in the country.
Trump's two-day trip began with a massive rally alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the first couple enjoyed a tour of the Taj Mahal.
Reports ahead of the visit described the pains Indian officials had taken to beautify the city and energize crowds ahead of Trump's visit, and photos from the first stops show the trip started off with a bang.
President Donald Trump spent two days in India Monday, marking his first state visit to the country while in office.
On their first day in the country, the president and first lady traveled alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a massive rally before a tour of the iconic Taj Mahal.
The first couple traveled to New Delhi for the second day of the trip, where they attended several meetings and public appearances while deadly protests roiled elsewhere in the country.
The trip was expected to draw hundreds of thousands of attendees for Trump and Modi's appearances together in the first visit by an American president since former President Barack Obama's in 2015.
Here are the highlights from the highly anticipated trip so far.
Ahead of his arrival, Trump was at the center of prayer rituals by Hindu Sena, a far-right Hindu group, who sought divine grace to unite the US and India.
SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images
Source: India Today
The Trumps landed in Ahmedabad, in western India, to be greeted by Modi amid decorations advertising the two leaders' meeting.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
The Trumps then accompanied Modi to Gandhi Ashram, a former home of Mohandas Gandhi, where they removed their shoes and were treated to a tour.
Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks via Flickr
The Associated Press reported that throngs of supporters lined the streets along Trump's motorcade route from the airport.
The Trumps then removed their shoes before entering the ashram, where they donned traditional Indian cloth stoles around their necks and observed a spinning wheel.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Modi and an aide demonstrated how to use a charkha, the traditional wheel that came to be iconic with Gandhi for representing self-sufficiency in his time of protest.
The two leaders were then set to appear at the "Namaste Trump" gathering at a massive cricket stadium in Modi's hometown.
Source: Reuters
The ticketed event was expected to draw thousands more than the 100,000 participants which officials said had registered to greet Trump and line the streets upon his arrival.
Source: Reuters
Reports ahead of the visit described Indian officials widening or re-laying roads, and investing millions of dollars to beautify the city ahead of the visit.
DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP via Getty Images
Source: Reuters
Despite the revelry around the "Namaste" event, some protestors came out to reject Trump's visit, sharply contrasting the glowing welcome officials had taken pains to set up in the city.
DIPTENDU DUTTA/AFP via Getty Images
Source: Reuters
The 11,000-seat stadium was packed for Trump's afternoon appearance.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Trump's team, including senior advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner got front row seats among the massive crowd.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
The Trumps and Modi greeted the crowd from a glass-enclosed square on the stage.
Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks via Flickr
The first lady was wearing a custom jumpsuit that featured a nod to the country in a sash cut from a vintage Indian textile.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Source: CNN Reporter Kate Bennett
After the rally, the Trumps took a short flight northeast to the city of Agra, where they were greeted by performers in traditional costumes.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
In Agra, the first couple visited the iconic Taj Mahal. The president wrote in the monument's guidebook that the site "inspires awe" as a "timeless testament to the rich and diverse beauty of Indian culture!"
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Source: The Hill
Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared were also treated to a picture break at the site during the administration's hour-long stop.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images
Source: The Hill
After their stop in Agra, the Trumps traveled to New Delhi, where the president will spend the second day in the country attending meetings before a state dinner to cap off the trip.
Ajay Aggarwal/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Source: The Associated Press
Trump announced Tuesday he had reached an agreement with India that the country will purchase $3 billion of military equipment from the United States, including attack helicopters.
Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead
In addition to announcing the deal, Trump also appeared in front of press to comment on Harvey Weinstein's conviction, brush off concerns regarding coronavirus, and cast doubt on reports of Russian meddling in the 2020 election.
The first lady visited a school in New Delhi to attend a children's "happiness" class.
Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times via Getty Images
"It is very inspiring to me that the students here begin each day [with] mindfulness," Trump said. "I cannot think of a better way for all of us to start our day."
While the Trumps put on glowing public appearances, the country was troubled by its third day of violent unrest that left 11 dead by late Tuesday.
Source: The Guardian
The Trumps then attended an official state banquet at the Indian presidential palace.
ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
In a toast at the dinner, Trump said his time in India was "the most beautiful I've had in my lifetime" and promised he would be back, CNN reported.
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