Washington DC: US president Donald Trump on Sunday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “friend” before leaving for his maiden visit to India, reported news agency PTI.

“I look forward to being with the people of India. We are going to have many millions and millions of people. It’s a long trip. I get along very well with Prime Minister Modi. He is a friend of mine,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.

The United States president, First Lady Melania Trump and a high-level delegation will fly into the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad before noon on Monday. They will also be accompanied by Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband and Trump’s senior adviser Jared Kosher.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump ahead his visit as the two countries look forward to strengthening the bilateral partnership and ramp up cooperation in several areas.

“India looks forward to welcoming @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. It is an honour that he will be with us tomorrow, starting with the historic programme in Ahmedabad,” PM Modi tweeted.

Departing for India with Melania! pic.twitter.com/sZhb3E1AoB

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2020

A look back: President @realDonaldTrump and Prime Minister @narendramodi took the stage together in Houston, Texas, in September to celebrate the incredible relationship between the United States and India! pic.twitter.com/TAxHcDYPU0

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 23, 2020