Trump praises India's unity in diversity, calls it an inspiration to the world

India embraces freedom, liberty, individual rights and the rule of law, and is admired around the globe as people of different religions worship side by side in harmony, US President Donald Trump said on Monday, lauding the country's accomplishments during his maiden state visit here.

He noted that India has an incredible potential and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is laying the foundations of its future.

Hailing India's diversity, the US President said its unity is an inspiration to the world as it is known for its democracy, tolerance and peace.

"India is a country that proudly embraces freedom, liberty, individual rights, the rule of law, and the dignity of every human being.

"Your nation has always been admired around the earth as the place where millions upon millions of Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs and Jains, Buddhists, Christians, and Jews worship side by side in harmony," he said while addressing a packed Motera stadium at the 'Namaste Trump' event here.

"The story of the Indian nation is a tale of astounding progress, a miracle of democracy, extraordinary diversity, and above all, strong and noble people.

"India gives hope to all of humanity. In just 70 years, India become an economic giant, the largest democracy ever to exist and one of the most amazing asians anywhere in the world," Trump said.

The potential for India is absolutely incredible, he said while noting that India's rise as a prosperous and independent nation is an example for every nation all over the world and one of the outstanding achievements of the century.

It is inspiring because India has achieved all this as a democratic, peaceful and tolerant country, he said.

"There is all the difference in the world between a nation that seeks power through coercion, intimidation, and aggression, and a nation that rises by setting its people free and unleashing them to chase their dreams, and that is India," Trump said.

"This is why India's accomplishment over the last 70 years is completely unrivalled, no matter where you go. It is your faith in the strength of a free society, your confidence in your people, your trust in your own citizens, and your respect for the dignity of every person that makes the United States and India such a natural, beautiful, enduring friendship," he said.

He also congratulated India for its six times growth of the economy since the turn of the century and said in a single decade, India has lifted over 270 million people out of poverty.

He lauded the achievement of every village in India having access to electricity under Prime Minister Modi.

Trump also talked about 320 million people being connected to the internet and the double pace of highway construction and over 70 million households having access to cooking fuel, 600 million more people having access to basic sanitation.

"Incredibly 12 Indian citizens are lifted out of extreme poverty every single minute of every single day," he said, adding that India will soon be the home of the biggest middle class anywhere in the world and would completely eradicate poverty within less than 10 years.

The US President quoted Swami Vivekananda who had said, "The moment I stand in reverence before every human being, and see God in him, that moment I am free."