Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump pledged Saturday night that under his administration the U.S. and India would become “best friends.”
Trump vowed in a speech before the Republican Hindu Coalition that if he won, the Hindu and Indian communities would have a “true friend” in the White House.
{mosads}”I am a big fan of Hindu, and I am a big fan of India,” Trump told the audience in Edison, N.J.
Trump called India a “natural ally” of the U.S. and said that if he becomes president, the U.S. and India “are going to become even better friends.”
“We are going to be best friends,” Trump said.
The speech was aimed at brandishing the outspoken real estate tycoon’s chops on the international stage, which he leaned into by pointing to his business experience.
“I am involved in two massive developments in India,” Trump informed the audience.
Trump spoke of college tuition rates for Indian-Americans, pledged to repeal and replace the “job-killing” ObamaCare and blasted China over U.S. intellectual property.
Trump called the attack on the Indian parliament “outrageous” and praised India for its efforts to combat “radical Islamic terrorism.”
“Crooked Hillary does not use that term,” he said, jabbing his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, whom he later claimed was “resting” before their final presidential debate.
Trump said he looked forward to working with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he called a “great” man who has been “very energetic in reforming India’s bureaucracy,” comparing it to his quest in the U.S.
“Free trade, we believe. But our trade deals for our country are not good,” he continued. “We will be able to trade and do tremendous business, I can tell you, with India.”
The coalition’s founder, Shalabh Kumar, said in introductory remarks that his group wanted to support a candidate who promises to cut aid to Pakistan and help Indians obtain green cards faster.
He called Trump “a great leader for our country and the world.”