MEA dispels rumours, shuts Opposition raising questions on US President Trump's visit

On Thursday, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar responded to constant questions that opposition had been raising against US President Donald Trump's visit to India. Ahead of his visit to India, US President Donald Trump had signaled towards a "very big deal" with India after Presidential elections. In video, Trump had made a passing remark saying, 'India has t treated us fairly'. Soon after, opposition was up in arms over Trump's comment. 

Read: 'Is he Lord Ram?': Congress doesn't expect much from Trump's visit; hurls 'machoman' jibe

Responding to this MEA, Raveesh Kumar said, "It is important to understand context in which remarks were made. context was balance of trade; efforts have been made to address concerns." 

MEA on Trump's 'India has t treated us fairly' remark

Congress leader Manish Tewari had raised objection to Trump's remark and said, "This is a very serious issue, we welcome everyone, guests are always welcomed in India it is our culture. one has right to insult our country. comment was uncalled for." 

Read: 'Namaste, Trump': Here's US President's itinerary on his 2-day maiden visit to India

He continued, "I do hope MEA has responded to that and t swept it under carpet. For President of US before eve of his first-time visit to India to say that India has t treated m fairly, I think it's an insult and an affront against dignity of our country, and I hope PM will respond to it." 

 

Read: Congress leader reacts to Donald Trump's 'unfair' remark, calls it 'an insult to India'

MEA on arrangements for Trump, 'big trade deal' 

Opposition had also raised questions over expenditure that Ahmedabad was incurring for 'beautification' ahead of Trump's visit. Congress had even gone on to ask why such elaborate arrangements were being made with Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asking if he was 'Lord Ram.'

To this, MEA spokesperson said, "This is very reciprocal. We do expect such arrangements when PM is abroad. Certain arrangements have to be made logistically when a head of state is visiting. This is a part of diplomatic rm. I don't understand what big deal this is."

Trump in his video had also signalled that a 'big trade deal' might t be on nda during his visit but he was 'saving' it for later. Congress had yet again raised questions over this and leader Manish Tewari had remarked, "In video, he has clearly said that re will be trade deal but if trade deal happens it will be after US presidential election. tone of visit seems to be transactional and t strategic."

Raveesh Kumar dispelled all rumors relating to trade deal stating, "We do hope to reach an understanding. We would t like to rush into a deal as issues involved are complicated. We don't want to create an artificial deadline. For us interests of people are paramount." 

Read: POTUS Donald Trump's India visit a stand-alone affair - Pakistan, Afghanistan

 (With ncy Inputs)