US President Donald Trump has appreciated India for listening to his request to release an American pastor who was arrested last October

Washington: US President Donald Trump has appreciated India for listening to his request to release an American pastor who was arrested last October on charges of carrying USD 40,000 of undeclared currency.

Tennessee pastor Bryan Nerren, who was released by India after intervention from Trump this May, attended a round table with the President in the Oval Office of the White House along with several other American citizens who were released from overseas abductions and detentions.

Donald Trump

India responded very well to my request. Appreciate that, Trump said.

The taped roundtable was broadcast during the first night of the four-day Republican National Convention on Monday.

In his brief remarks, Nerren explained that he had been arrested by the Indian officials while travelling in the country.

Nerren was arrested in Bagdogra, West Bengal last October on charges of travelling with USD 40,000 of undeclared currency.

Donald TrumpOthers who appeared on the video were Andrew Brunson, a pastor, accused of being part of a terrorist group, the Gulen movement, and was arrested on October 7, 2016, by Turkey and Joshua and Tamara Holt, arrested in Venezuela shortly after their wedding and accused of stockpiling weapons.

In February, Rhonda J Nerren wrote a letter to Trump seeking the release of her husband Pastor Nerren. The president is believed to have taken up the issue during his visit to India in February.

Nerren was arrested in October 2019 and charged with violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act for travelling with USD 40,000 of undeclared currency. On October 11, he was released on bail.