President Donald Trump at a speech in India he gave on Monday praised a deal worth $3 billion he’s working on finalizing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week.
Working with the Prime Minister of India, U.S. and Indian officials will finalize the $3 billion deal for a number of U.S. military equipment, The Week reported. Negotiations between the two nations is expected to be concluded Tuesday.
“As we continue to build our defense cooperation, the United States looks forward to providing India with some of the best and most feared military equipment on the planet. We make the greatest weapons ever made. We make the best and we are dealing now with India,” Trump said during the Namaste India event in Ahmedabad. Trump added, “I’m pleased to announce that tomorrow our representatives will sign deals to sell over $3 billion in the absolute finest state-of-the-art military helicopters and other equipment to the Indian armed forces.”
The deal will reportedly include 24 MH-60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters and six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army. An announcement is expected to be made sometime after the meetings.
Capable of search and rescue missions, the MH-60 is the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter, and will replace India’s 15 Sea King anti-submarine warfare helicopters.
Considered the most advanced helicopter in the world and controlled by two pilots, the Apaches will be a major component in tank battles, hence their nickname, “flying tanks.” They’re also capable of engaging 256 moving targets.
“Though many other key issues of defense cooperation will be discussed in the talks, announcement on naval and attack helicopters is expected to find a place in the joint statement after the talks,” a senior official said.
Trump also said that there will be trade negotiations but told reporters that he felt “no rush” to complete them, saying, “We are doing well with India, we are making deals,” the Washington Examiner reported.
The relationship between the United States and India is growing strong, according to Trump, who vowed that they would remain allies and referred to Modi as a “great friend.”
“Namaste, and hello to India. This is such a great honor,” Trump said in greeting the crowd. “The first lady and I have just traveled 8,000 miles around the world to deliver a message to every citizen across this nation: America loves India, America respects India, and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”
“The first lady and I have traveled around 8000 miles around the world to give a message to every citizen of this country. America loves India – America respects India – and People of America will always remain true and loyal friends of the people of India.” he tweeted in Hindu.
प्रथम महिला और मैं इस देश के हर नागरिक को एक सन्देश देने के लिए दुनिया का 8000 मील का चक्कर लगा कर यहां आये हैं l अमेरिका भारत को प्रेम करता है – अमेरिका भारत का सम्मान करता है – और
अमरीका के लोग हमेशा भारत के लोगों के सच्चे और निष्ठावान दोस्त रहेंगे l https://t.co/1yOmQOEnXE— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2020
The Indian crowed applauded Trump, who thanked the crowed for “spectacular welcome,” saying he won’t forget India’s “remarkable hospitality.”
