Trump’s live call echoed in Bharat Mandapam and told the gathering – I am a big fan of PM Modi.

During a very high-profile program organized at ‘Bharat Mandapam’ located at Pragati Maidan in the capital Delhi, something happened which surprised the senior diplomats of India and America present there. Amidst this grand celebration organized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, suddenly a live call came from US President Donald Trump. Trump, joining live on the phone of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his ‘great friend’ in front of everyone and said that he is a big fan of PM Modi. When the US Ambassador placed Trump’s phone near the mike, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, America’s newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador Sergio Gore were mainly present on the stage in this grand ceremony organized at Bharat Mandapam. Meanwhile, President Trump called Ambassador Sergio Gore. To make Trump’s voice heard by the guests sitting in the entire hall, the US Ambassador immediately placed his phone near the microphone (mic) installed on the stage. Trump said on the phone, "I would like to say hello to everyone present in the hall. I like the Prime Minister of India very much. Narendra Modi is really great, he is my very good friend. I wish everyone present there a wonderful evening."

‘If India ever needs help, call me directly’ Hearing Donald Trump’s voice echoing from the stage, the entire Bharat Mandapam echoed with applause. Emphasizing the strength of India-US relations, Trump further said, "Never in history have America and India been as close to each other as they are today. The people of India can trust me and our country (America) 100 percent. If India needs help at any point, at any point, they know exactly where to turn—they will call straight here (the White House)."

Trump said – Our economy and stock market are making new records. In this brief but very effective diplomatic address, Trump also patted the American economy on the back. He said, "America is doing a wonderful job right now. We are creating new records in every field. Our economy is currently at record levels and the American stock market is touching new heights every day." He praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and called him ‘the greatest Secretary of State in American history’. Before hanging up the phone call, Trump again told the ambassador, "Say my special greetings to Prime Minister Modi and remind him what a big fan I am of him."

AR Rahman’s songs created a stir, US Secretary of State’s birthday was celebrated. The main attraction of this historic event was the live performance of Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman. Rahman forced the audience present in the hall to dance by singing superhit songs like ‘Dil Se’, ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ and ‘Tere Bina’ in his magical voice. On the same platform, US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio’s birthday was also celebrated in a very special way. At the conclusion of the program, the famous American band ‘Village People’ gave a spectacular performance. Jaishankar said – This is the biggest and best occasion for India-America. Addressing the ceremony, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the American Declaration of Independence gave birth to great ideas like individual liberty, rule of law and freedom of expression, which laid the foundation of the modern world. These ideas have always been deeply valued in a diverse and democratic society like India. Jaishankar further said that today the global system is changing rapidly and this changing era is the best opportunity to further strengthen and deepen India-US strategic relations.