At Trump's India rally, Modi bets on bolstering his image

Border Security Force(BSF) soldiers march on the route that U.S. President Donald Trump will take in Ahmedabad, India. A festive mood has enveloped Ahmedabad in India’s northwestern state of Gujarat ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he's promised millions of adoring fans. - AP

AHMEDABAD: A festive mood has enveloped Ahmedabad in India’s northwestern state of Gujarat ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting there on Monday (Feb 24) with President Donald Trump, whom he's promised millions of adoring fans.

The rally in Modi's home state may help displace his association with deadly anti-Muslim riots in 2002 that landed him a US travel ban. It may also distract Indians, at least temporarily, from a slumping economy and ongoing protests over a new citizenship law that excludes Muslims. But beyond the pageantry and symbolism of the visit, experts expect little of substance to be achieved for either side.