Clashes began Sunday, when local officials from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party vowed to clear anti-government protesters from the capital.
"America loves India, America respects India, and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people," President Trump told a cheering crowd in a huge cricket stadium.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Trump for a two-day visit starting Monday. As Gujarat's chief minister, Modi oversaw impressive economic growth. But he also presided over a dark chapter.
The Indian prime minister is cited for the millions of toilets his government has built in rural India. Activists say his human rights record should disqualify him.
Indian-administered Kashmir is now in its fourth day of a communications blackout, following the government's decision to revoke its special status. Pakistan has downgraded diplomatic ties.
Many see India's election as a turning point in which the country may seek to redefine itself via Hinduism, its majority faith. Secularism has become "a four-letter word," says one expert.
Rahul Gandhi, the 47-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, takes over the Congress party from his mother. Will the generational shift signal a change in fortune for the lackluster opposition?
Ram Nath Kovind, 71, was elected Thursday as India's head of state, a largely ceremonial post. The son of a farmer, he is a member of the Dalit community, once known as "untouchables."