Trump says India can count on US 100 percent

President Donald Trump made a virtual appearance at a celebration marking 250 years of American independence held at the US Embassy in New Delhi on Sunday, declaring that India could count on the United States "100 per cent" and describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a close friend.

Speaking via speakerphone during the event, Trump said, "I love India. I love the Prime Minister. PM Modi is great, he is my friend." He added, "India can count on me 100 per cent. If they ever need help, they know who to call. They call right here." Trump also highlighted the performance of the US economy, saying, "We are setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market."

The US president praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was present at the event, calling him "the greatest Secretary of State in the history of the United States." Rubio is on a four-day visit to India that includes participation in the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled for May 26 in New Delhi. The quadrilateral grouping also includes Japan and Australia.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the event alongside US Ambassador Sergio Gor and Secretary Rubio. Jaishankar spoke about...