Trump pledges strong US ties with India if elected president

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged that the United States and India would be "best friends" if he is elected and that he would boost intelligence sharing with India in the battle against militants.

Trump spoke at an event sponsored by the Republican Hindu Coalition to raise money for victims of terrorism. It featured Bollywood-style performers who danced in colourful, traditional costumes.

"If I'm elected president, the Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House, that I can guarantee you," said Trump, who noted that as a real estate developer he has two "massive developments" in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has developed a friendly relationship with President Barack Obama, a Democrat who wants Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton, to win the Nov. 8 election.

"We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I’m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually," said Trump.

He called India a strategic ally and that "we will be best friends" if he wins the election.

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Jai Hindu

Oct 16, 2016 12:53pm

Ties will be stronger if Hillary comes to power...

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piyush sharma

Oct 16, 2016 01:20pm

Great man

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Ashutosh

Oct 16, 2016 01:50pm

He is the true leader and symbol of peace and humanity..long live trump

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Tmos

Oct 16, 2016 02:04pm

Good Luck !

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Vivek (Indore)

Oct 16, 2016 02:48pm

We were always with Mr.Trump and will be.

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syed wasim haider

Oct 16, 2016 02:58pm

@Ashutosh he is a good symbol of tax evasion.

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Padmakar

Oct 16, 2016 03:03pm

He is a great leader.. Last hope for saving world.

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Booza

Oct 16, 2016 03:12pm

Face it Trump, you will never become the president of the U.S...I guarantee you.

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Peterson

Oct 16, 2016 04:06pm

I am just counting the days. Wish you all the best Trump

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The end is near

Oct 16, 2016 05:19pm

Donald Trump is the last ray of hope for United states of America. He will definitely win the presidential election by big margin. Millions of ordinary Americans support Trump.

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J USA

Oct 16, 2016 06:08pm

I am voting for him

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Nabarun Dey

Oct 16, 2016 06:33pm

Very true.

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Wazir

Oct 16, 2016 07:48pm

Not going to happen

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True Indian

Oct 16, 2016 07:50pm

@Jai Hindu irrespective of candidates, Indo US relation will only grow in future. Whether, it will be stronger or not in case of Hillary wins in stead of Trump is doubtful.People believes that Indo US Russian ties will be stronger in case Trump wins.

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Bipul

Oct 16, 2016 07:55pm

India is not only about Hindu. It has one of the largest population of muslims in the world as well. First Mr Trump needs to get his facts right. Hillary is bigger supporter of India and we will prefer her over Trump.

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vasudevan

Oct 16, 2016 08:03pm

As a Hindu, I am at a loss for words. Good thing for Hindus? Good for Indians? I do not know

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DAWN READER

Oct 16, 2016 08:09pm

He should first win election and then talk or do whatever he feels like. Such political gimmicks can pay little in educated societies.

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Ravi..Indian

Oct 16, 2016 08:12pm

Better relations possible with Democrats

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Neigbour

Oct 16, 2016 08:13pm

We don't trust him and don't want him to be elected just because of his anti muslim stands. Ties will be good whoever is elected as both the counties shares same moral values.

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Cliff

Oct 16, 2016 08:15pm

Hillary has already won the election you deluded folks. Right now, the polls give her a 90% chance to win the election, and she is not going to just win, she is going to create history winning with an unheard of a huge margin , taking some republican states with her as well. And anyway, regardless of what Mr Trump says, Clinton is much better for India than Mr Trump. Clintons are even more pro - India than Obama

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Yousuf

Oct 16, 2016 08:16pm

If you are elected???? Keep day dreaming.

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BITTER TRUTH

Oct 16, 2016 08:27pm

What ever might be result we Indians dont care hardly, but little when it comes to relation development further between indo-us Ties..

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Khan USA

Oct 16, 2016 08:28pm

No doubt such a man can only support India . He is the Modi of America !

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Mak

Oct 16, 2016 08:25pm

India does well when there is a republican in the WHiteHouse, however, Trump will certainly cause issues throughout the world. But he will definitely be aggressive towards all the terror groups.

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Khan USA

Oct 16, 2016 08:27pm

Trump and Modi have same agenda , make their country rule by thugs and extremists ! Hatred for minorities , hatred for other nations and disrespect for neighbors !

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Oct 16, 2016 08:30pm

These are just hollow words to please this crowd. US interest is business and to make sure there is military balanced in south Asian countries.

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sukhera

Oct 16, 2016 08:31pm

A white haired man shown in the picture with Trump is Shalabh Kumar, the founding chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition and a Chicago businessman who has donated $898,800 to Trump's campaign which is a maximum limit for a couple. But it is not a coincidence that many of Mr. Trump’s biggest Hindu supporters are also some of Mr. Modi’s most ardent backers belonging to right wing Shiv Sena. The question is why they are supporting a republican candidate Mr. Trump? The reason is extreme hatred for Muslims and Pakistan. Mr. Trump is a conman and he told Kumar what he wanted to hear. In an interview with The Hill Mr. Kumar told that he was very impressed with his tough words against Pakistan and Muslims. Trump said that Pakistan can,t be trusted as a US ally especially when it sheltered Osama on its soil.Trump reiterated that if elected , the policy setting will start monitoring Mosques, profile Muslims,vetting process should take place of Muslims in the the US.True racist.

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Ajaz Rasul

Oct 16, 2016 08:30pm

Trump can never win....................... There is no room in USA for racism... All the Muslims in USA should work peacefully to achieve their dream of better life, education and economic prosperity.... They should help the poor people in other countries to get educated....... Education and prosperity to a better life........ Freedom of religion is guaranteed to every American...... Enjoy this freedom to follow your religion so you would set a good example in you neighborhood, city and your country.........

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Oct 16, 2016 08:36pm

@Booza Agree. He does not have any chance because of many reasons. Even his own party members are not supporting him.

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Oct 16, 2016 08:37pm

@Jai Hindu Agree. She is going to follow Obama policies when it came to south Asia policy.

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Oct 16, 2016 08:38pm

@The end is near Good luck. The end is far far far away..and brighter.

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Oct 16, 2016 08:44pm

@Ashutosh Really, he cannot make peace with own party leaders ..how can he do it with others?

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Oct 16, 2016 08:45pm

@J USA Waste of your vote since he going to loose.

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Oct 16, 2016 08:47pm

@Peterson I am counting days when Hillary will be president. She deserves this position. Not Trump because of egoist, pervert, narcosis characters.

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Fahad

Oct 16, 2016 08:50pm

Haha, I wish you guys could go to a rally and see how much his supporters really love u, sellouts

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Ranjit Sankar

Oct 16, 2016 09:09pm

Trump or Hillary, either win, will have to be friend with India. Indians are the richest community in US. India has one or two troublesome neighbors which it has bear. But then, that is life. It is not always bed of roses.

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Rex Major

Oct 16, 2016 09:21pm

@syed wasim haider : Indians are great at tax evasions too!

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Indus

Oct 16, 2016 09:33pm

My vote is for Trump

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SATISH VERMA

Oct 16, 2016 09:43pm

A worst ever presidential candidate in the history of USA

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sasindran ayadakandiyil

Oct 16, 2016 09:43pm

Though as an India citizen, Trump's statement can be flattering, HE IS DANGEROUS simply bcz he lacks basic respect for human values and EASILY CHANGES his stand ........... ultra conservatives and religious fanatics will try to use him for their vested interests and .............eventually he may become another KIM !

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Madeeha

Oct 16, 2016 09:47pm

Trump is narcissist, egoistic, and nothing but a big liar. He is willing to go to any length to win this election. During the primaries, he insulted the other GOP running mates and called them names such as Lyin' Ted, Little Marco, etc. He has done everything possible to divide the nation and willing to do anything to come to the office. Even some respected Republican leaders such as John McCain and Paul Ryan have come out and said they will not vote for Trump. He has no respect for women and you can hear what he said in the tape with Billy Bush. His supporters are predominantly white working class men without a college degree. And that says it all, he is basically supported by ignorant and uneducated people. Indians who are so excited about Trump are just as ignorant, greedy, selfish, and willing to go to any length to put their support behind him. However there are far more Americans who are above the filth shown by Trump and I am sure he will not win this election.

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Mantrill

Oct 16, 2016 09:48pm

@Booza - we all know that. He is just a stooze propped up by the dems. It is going to be a cake walk for Hillary here on.

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Raji

Oct 16, 2016 09:56pm

Mr Trump India does not need your support. India is a country with diverse culture and religion, more than yours. We have problems, but we will sort it out ourselves.

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Naveed

Oct 16, 2016 10:25pm

The president is defined by the people and if the character and values of a Trump is same as the people then he win.

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amneutralsilence

Oct 16, 2016 10:32pm

All the best Trump.

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Deepak Arora

Oct 16, 2016 10:34pm

India will do herself a favour if America remain only a friend not the best friend.

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RazaG

Oct 16, 2016 10:37pm

@The end is near ... wow ignoring the reality does not make it go away.... Trump is 11 percentage points behind Hillary... looking at u.s. presidents history every time when a candidate has a double-digit margin they have always won... I am referring to 100+ year of history...

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Sameer

Oct 16, 2016 10:44pm

Only Trump can solve all our problems. Vote trump to have him open your cookie jar.

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Shah, Canada

Oct 16, 2016 10:51pm

Trump and Harper of Canada on wrong side of Equation. Both will never win. This type of alliance brings campaign down.

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Duniya Hasan

Oct 16, 2016 11:10pm

An other reason to vote for Hillary

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Nasiroski

Oct 16, 2016 11:11pm

@Ashutosh He is also a symbol of Misogyny, and divisiveness, typical Right wing.

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Shadman

Oct 16, 2016 11:13pm

Indian should be careful about this guy. He is only saying believing there is a hatred for Muslims in India and if he elected president he is not going to do any good for anyone not even India or Hindu.

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jayramon

Oct 16, 2016 11:17pm

India will sit pretty no matter if its Hillary or Trump. Its a coup de grace of sorts

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Erdogan

Oct 16, 2016 11:23pm

Well it's a Good thing then he won't be the next president.

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Changez Khan

Oct 16, 2016 11:35pm

But the BIG question mark is "if Trump is elected" because he is NOT. The Republicans are already counting Hillary as a President and now they are worried of the Democrats' landslide victory which will take majority both in House and Senate.

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SAT GOEL

Oct 16, 2016 11:36pm

India has no interest in the US election as it is an internal political issue. We will deal with whosoever the Americans elect. Our interests will be uppermost in our dealings.

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Zak

Oct 16, 2016 11:45pm

Trump has lost already and Hilary is a friend of Pakistan.

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Arbaz

Oct 16, 2016 11:51pm

Trump and Modi, what an alliance... LOL

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Adeel Hussain

Oct 16, 2016 11:55pm

Funny when Indians calling him great leader, shows the caliber and moral values of Indians who are supporting a person who is not even fit for becoming a senator in USA, Indian and Jews lobby backing Trump to further destroy the peace of World.

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Talkn Parrot

Oct 17, 2016 12:11am

One trait all in the subcontinent have plenty of: gullibility. What did you expect Trump to say in a meeting he was invited to by Hindus?

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Abraham Haque

Oct 17, 2016 12:18am

@syed wasim haider as Pakistanis we should know about tax evasion

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GREAT

Oct 17, 2016 12:17am

Good strategy as no one can ignore the worlds emerging economy INDIA. Good luck!

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PAKISTAN FIRST

Oct 17, 2016 12:51am

@Padmakar : Just like Pakistan is last hope to save oppressed people of Kashmir from India.

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Ghaznavi

Oct 17, 2016 01:48am

He will bring all the stolen jobs back from overseas to usa. Indians supporting him will soon find themselves "you are fired" the Trump way.

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Cheenkapoodle

Oct 17, 2016 03:39am

Pakistanis don't care about Trump.

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Marcus

Oct 17, 2016 04:43am

Amazing how many Indians have posted their support for Trump below....what about the 300 million muslims in India will Trump befriend them? or will let the Indians allow the Trump to circumvent one religious community of secular India?

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s.r.reddy

Oct 17, 2016 06:02am

he is an unreliable fellow. he changes his opinion every time.

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Sachin

Oct 17, 2016 07:51am

US policies are very deeply thought and very strategic. They are not dependent on any one president or domestic politics.

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truth prevails

Oct 17, 2016 08:10am

Whoever comes either Hillary or Trump, relations with India will keep on improving!!

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Skeptic

Oct 17, 2016 08:48am

Not a chance! Trump is already history. Even Fareed Zakaria's - an Indian himself, said it clearly: "Trump will lose the election."

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Oct 17, 2016 09:33am

Hillary and Bill Clinton are very good friends of India, during Bill Clinton regime and now. India US friendship really picked up during the Clinton regime and has continued to grow ever since.

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Chandra Shekhar Singh

Oct 17, 2016 09:39am

He also said"PM Narendra Modi....A great man. He has changed the indian system and bureaucracy in good way. I will follow his way ." He also said" I respect Hindus and India".

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Faisal

Oct 17, 2016 10:07am

It is important t understand that the policies of USA are not dependent on the President elect but mainly run by the think tanks in each party. It is a established fact that whatever Pakistan will do USA will going forward continue to tilt towards India because of the lure of vast economic potential. This also means that even if we allow the USA troops to be stationed in Pakistan & monitor Pakistani borders to control so called 'cross border terrorism' it will still remain insufficient for India and USA and they will continue to demand more from Pakistan. Therefore it is important to safeguard our interests including promoting investments by friendly governments, improve internal governance, develop local skill sets, etc. In the long run it will be Pakistanis who have to take account of the shortfalls and try to improve in all departments as the world will not give us an inch!

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Haroon Salam

Oct 17, 2016 10:09am

whether its Clinton or Trump, US policies will be same for India. However, if trump comes to power, Russians will be benefited the most and Chinese will be the loser.

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Arun-KS

Oct 17, 2016 10:48am

Thanks for good words about 'Hindu.' We are proud of being Hindu but do not create difference on the basis of religion, you have to give equal importance to all Indians- Muslims, Christians, Parsi, Buddhists, Jainis and all other Indians.

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Oct 17, 2016 10:51am

What makes Trump so sure that people will vote Republicans instead of Democrats after living in Democrats government for last decade.

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N K GURJAAR

Oct 17, 2016 10:59am

I do not like Trump's statement mentioning about Hindus, liked if had he said 'Indians' . India is country of equal opportunities for not only Hindus but for all religions Muslims, Christians, Sikhs , Jains etc. India is a secular democratic country and will remain so till eternity. This is beauty of being Indian. I thank to GOD for giving me birth at this sacred place. I love my country and every Indian of any religion, cast and creed, poor or rich.

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kavita

Oct 17, 2016 11:27am

It does not matter Mr. Trump. India will remain a coveted friend for US whether you win or not. Good Luck to you but I secretly hope Hillary gets to reside in the White House.

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Gaurav Arya

Oct 17, 2016 11:42am

I am a proud Hindu and I am a die hard nationalist. But Trump is a total maniac. India is not just for Hindus. It is for everyone. I don't like Trump generalising about Muslims. Yes, some Muslims are bad. But then so are some Hindus and some Christians. I hope this crook loses the election. But I would sure like to know what he smokes. I want some.

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Sri1

Oct 17, 2016 11:43am

Someone like Trump would be similar to Bush, shallow and will again benefit the boys gone wild. Clinton is the only leader of stature who will give the deserved treatment to its so-called allies. All the very best to all three nations

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kya

Oct 17, 2016 11:42am

He understand the value of India.

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RAVEENDRA NATH

Oct 17, 2016 11:43am

US-India ties will be stronger whoever become the next US President, that is the clout of India, economically, politically and diplomatically.

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techscribe

Oct 17, 2016 12:00pm

@Ghaznavi That's bound to happen anyway due to automation.

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true minds

Oct 17, 2016 12:08pm

First India is countries of many religion,hindu is just a part.Second Hillary will be better friend of India than trump.

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vishal

Oct 17, 2016 12:18pm

Everybody want to build strong relations with India. It is good going.

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IndianPunjabi

Oct 17, 2016 12:23pm

Everyone has seen what kinda ties Mr Trump prefer...!

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Vikas

Oct 17, 2016 01:18pm

Way to go Trump. Yeah!!!

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Agni

Oct 17, 2016 01:21pm

Rape and metal frustration is more of a threat to India than terorrism. Mr. trump will you be able to support Shoulder to shoulder to help change the mentality in India as he did with himself

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The Fake ZAK

Oct 17, 2016 01:26pm

@Ajaz Rasul - No one wants Trump to Win BUT cary thought is that if George Bush could Win, then anything is possible in the US.

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Oct 17, 2016 01:25pm

@piyush sharma O so now he is a great man. Seriously, man, Im speechless.

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mohit sharma

Oct 17, 2016 01:34pm

Question is "if selected" :)

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Dem-soc

Oct 17, 2016 01:54pm

For all of the world's well-being I hope he never gets elected. For imagining a world where a person like Trump becomes the most powerful man in the world makes me shudder

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Tahir Baloch

Oct 17, 2016 02:03pm

Yes, now Indians are very happy.. lets see and wait the friendship.

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Li-N-Ja

Oct 17, 2016 02:10pm

@Khan USA Its not about Trump, rather racial discrimination is there in US. I don't understand why you guys still flock there en mass. There are so many countries to live including Gulf. That's why it said there is no better place to live or die other than your mother land.

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Li-N-Ja

Oct 17, 2016 02:11pm

By the way people should take Pre Election promises with pinch of sault. Our politicians could not able to raise their standards so to match them westerners are coming down to that low.

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Gaurav Arya

Oct 17, 2016 02:35pm

@sukhera - What has Modi got to do with the Shiv Sena??? He is from the BJP.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Oct 17, 2016 02:41pm

What a silly joke by the biggest joker on earth?

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Gaurav Arya

Oct 17, 2016 09:44pm

Dear Mr. Trump, If you want to respect, respect all Indians. I know and accept that we have a lot of problems in our country, but if you say that you respect Hindus only, then we don't need your respect. You must respect Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and all religions of India. You have a very deplorable view of Muslims in general. But I want to tell you this - If you disrespect one Indian Muslim, you disrespect all 1.25 billion of us. Yours Truly A Proud Hindu

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Mustafa R.

Oct 17, 2016 09:46pm

@syed wasim haider; 'he is a good symbol of tax evasion.' Tax evasion is one of his minor crimes, at least according to a dozen women who have surfaced over the last week.

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MJS

Oct 17, 2016 09:59pm

Knowing that he has lost almost all Muslim votes in US, his advisers are trying to get the votes of the large Hindu population in US. The problem is that most of them are highly educated and can see through his tricks and fallacies.

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Anwar Sadiqque

Oct 17, 2016 10:56pm

Trump will not be president; maybe a talk show host but NOT the president.

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salman waheed

Oct 17, 2016 11:53pm

@Padmakar , as great as Modi and Putin, a match made in heaven

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Riaz

Oct 18, 2016 07:20am

This says it all for me....! I don't need to expand...also India ties with Israel are all,time high...

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Jally Fellow

Oct 18, 2016 08:01pm

Historically when Republicans are in white house, US Pak relationship are in the upward swing.. Recently most of the wars which are started by US when republicans are in white house. Again most of the time when republicans are in Whitehouse, you have a martial rule in Pakistan.

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Sony USA

Oct 18, 2016 09:57pm

@Rex Major ....proof please. I am an NRI and have always paid my taxes.

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Peace

Oct 18, 2016 11:20pm

If you take a DNA analysis between a Pakistani and an Indian, they will be same. Enough is enough. We should learn from history and not repeat it. Europe fought amongst each and killed many more people than any of the indo-pak wars but they made European Union afterwards. All the religions teach peace, but it is the radicals who are 10% Dictate the affairs between both ur country. This is sad. A govt is by the people for the people and made out of people

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Arun

Oct 19, 2016 01:44am

@Ghaznavi USA can't survive without Indian talent. Period

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