PM Modi & Trump End ‘Howdy, Modi’ With Victory Lap After Speeches
Catch all the live updates from PM Modi’s visit to the US here.
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In a grand show of friendship and common vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shared the stage at the 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston on Sunday, 22 September, replete with symbolism and substance, as the two leaders pledged to fight terrorism while heaping praise on each other's achievements.
With the slogan 'Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar', Modi gave tacit support to Trump's 2020 re-election bid at the event. In a tweet later in the day, Modi said that the event was a “watershed moment” for India-US ties.
- PM Modi pitched for ‘strength in diversity’, as he opened his remarks with ‘India is doing great’ in multiple Indian languages
- President Trump drew cheers and standing ovations when he said both nations are committed to ending ‘radical Islamic terrorism’
- Anti-Modi protests took place outside the NRG Stadium
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'Amazed at What Modi Can Do for Stock Market Bump': Rahul Gandhi
The Congress on Friday, 20 September, termed the corporate tax cut a “panic reaction” by the government and alleged that it has been dictated by the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in the United States.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he was amazed at what Narendra Modi can do for a “stock market bump” ahead of the US event.
“ At + 1.4 Lakh Crore Rs. the Houston event is the world's most expensive event, ever! But, no event can hide the reality of the economic mess ‘Howdy Modi’ has driven India into,” Gandhi said.
'India, US Can Contribute to Building More Peaceful, Stable World': Modi
US President Donald Trump's presence at the Houston event marks a new milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, 20 September, as he expressed confidence that his visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader.
This would be the first time a US President is attending an Indian-American community event with him, Modi said.
In his departure statement ahead of his week-long visit, Modi referred to the Indo-US relations and said working together, the two nations can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world.
PM Modi Departs For His Week long Tour to US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a week long tour to the US. First, he will first reach Houston for the 'Howdy Modi' event on 22 September, and then he will address the UNGA on 27 September in New York, reported ANI.
Hoardings At Houston Welcoming PM Modi
Several hoardings have been put up near the NRG Stadium in Houston, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival. On September 22, PM Modi will deliver his address at 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event.
Pro-Khalistan Groups Take to Social Media to Protest Modi Visit
Ahead of Modi’s visit to the US, several pro-khalistani and “fake kashmiri groups” took to social media to protest his visit, ANI reported.
PM Modi Makes 2-Hour 'Technical Halt' in Frankfurt
On the way to Houston,USA, PM Narendra Modi made a 2-hour technical halt in Frankfurt, Germany, early morning today. He was received by Indian Ambassador to Germany, Mukta Tomar and Consul General Pratibha Parkar.
Modi Departs for USA After 2-Hour Technical Halt in Frankfurt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Houston, USA after a 2-hour technical halt in Frankfurt, Germany.
Houston Gears up to Welcome PM Modi in 3-Hour Show
Preparations are in full swing for Sunday's mega 'Howdy Modi' event at the massive NRG stadium in Houston that will see 50,000 enthusiastic Indian diaspora members greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he takes the stage, with US President Donald Trump joining him.
The event at the NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, has been organized by the Texas India Forum (TIF), a non-profit organization.
The Indian American community has been busy preparing for the three-hour show that will see artistes present Indian classical and folk songs and dances, among other numbers.
More than a 1,000 Gujaratis from Houston are preparing for a mega 'dandiya', a traditional Gujarati dance, to welcome the Prime Minister for the event.
TIF spokesperson Gitesh Desai said that Indian Americans from across the US would be attending the "historical event".
PM Modi Arrives in Houston
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached in Houston, Texas ahead of ‘Howdy, Modi’ event. He has been received by Director, Trade and International Affairs, Christopher Olson and other officials. US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster and Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla are also present.
'Howdy Houston', Says Modi as He Lands in Energy Capital
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the energy capital of the world on Saturday, 21 September, with "Howdy", the traditional Texan way of greetings.
"Howdy Houston", he tweeted soon after landing in Houston in the afternoon. "It's a bright afternoon here in Houston," he added.
"Looking forward to a wide range of programmes in this dynamic and energetic city today and tomorrow," the prime minister tweeted.
PM Modi's Visit Great Thing for Houston, Say Indian Americans
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump jointly addressing the "Howdy Modi" event in the energy capital of the world is "historic" and a direct endorsement of India's Kashmir policy by the United States, Indian Americans said on Saturday, 21 September.
Rakesh Mangal, former president of the Indian American Doctors' Association, Houston, said that Trump attending the "Howdy Modi" event says how important India is to the entire world, especially to the US.
The US president joining Modi on stage in Houston "is a very clear indication of where the Trump administration stands when it comes to Pakistan", Shalabh Kumar from the Republican Hindu Coalition said.
Stating that Pakistan was planning to hold a protest against Modi in front of the NRG stadium on the Kashmir issue, Kumar claimed that it had been quashed to a great extent.
"This is a big slap on Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan," he said, adding that the US is now fully behind India on Kashmir in the aftermath of the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution.
Observing that "Howdy Modi" is one of the largest events of Indian Americans that he has seen in his lifetime, Krishna Bansal from Chicago said it is not only "going to be a game-changer" for the community and Indo-US ties, but also for the entire world.
Baloch, Sindhi, Pashto Groups Gather in Houston to Seek Help From Modi
Representatives of Sindhi, Baloch and Pashto groups gathered in Houston to hold a demonstration in front of the NRG stadium on Sunday, 22 September, to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for gaining freedom from Pakistan.
Scores of members of the Balochi American, Sindhi American and Pashto American communities landed in Houston on Saturday from various parts of the US to hold the first-of-its-kind demonstration in America, wherein they will collectively urge the leaders of India and the United States to help them get freedom from Pakistan.
Members of these groups alleged on Saturday that the Pakistani establishment was carrying out gross violation of human rights against their communities.
"We demand freedom from Pakistan. India and the US should help us in the same way as India had helped the people of Bangladesh in 1971," Nabi Baksha Baloch, the US representative of the Baloch National Movement told news agency PTI.
"We are here to request Prime Minister Modi and President Trump to support our cause. There has been gross violation of human rights against the Baloch people by the Pakistani government," he said.
PM Modi Meets CEOs From Energy Sector in Houston
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met CEOs from the energy sector on the first day of his week-long US visit in Houston on Saturday, 21 September.
"Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a tweet.
As per sources, CEOs of 17 global energy companies participated in the round table meeting. The combined net worth of companies is US$1 trillion with a presence in 150 countries. All companies have some engagement, presence with or in India, ANI reported.
Objective of the meeting was to deepen the energy cooperation of the two sides as part of the strategic energy partnership, the sources added.
The CEOs talked about enhancing their footprint in India. They lauded government’s efforts towards ease of doing business, deregulation in the sector, supported reforms and policies and were upbeat on the Indian economy, said sources.
Mike Train, President Emerson Electric Co told ANI, “It was a real pleasure and an honour to be a part of the meeting. He shared the outlook, the enthusiasm. He wants to have a balanced approach, bringing energy in a sustainable way to India.”
He further said that he highlighted the work they had done with 'Invest India'. “We have a big investment that we will be finishing next year near Pune - a large manufacturing facility,” he added.
Petronet Signs MoU With US Firm Tellurian
US natural gas company Tellurian Inc. and Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) of India have signed an MoU, under which PLL and its affiliates intend to import up to five million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas from America, the two companies announced on Saturday, 21 September.
Tellurian and Petronet will endeavour to finalise the transaction agreements by 31 March 2020, they added.
The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with the CEOs of top oil companies based in Houston on Saturday.
PM Narendra Modi Interacts With Sikh Community in Houston
PM Modi interacted with members of the Sikh community in Houston on Sunday, during which they congratulated him on some decisions taken by the government of India. The community also submitted a memorandum to the prime minister.
Submitting the memorandum, the Sikh community requested Modi to address the issues of the 1984 Sikh genocide, dedicating the Delhi airport to Guru Nanak Dev International Airport, Article 25 of Indian Constitution, Anand Marriage Act, and visa and passport renewal of asylees.
PM Narendra Modi Interacts With Bohra Community in Houston
PM Modi interacted with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Houston on Sunday. The members recalled Modi’s visit to Indore in 2018 when he attended an event of the Bohra community.
PM Narendra Modi Meets Kashmiri Pandit Community in Houston
PM Narendra Modi Meets Kashmiri Pandit Community in HoustonPrime Minister Narendra Modi met and interacted with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community in Houston. The community is said to have expressed their support regarding the steps being taken for India’s development.
Surinder Kaul, representing the Kashmiri Pandit community, told ANI, “The PM told us that we have suffered a lot together, that we have to build new Kashmir. Our youth presented him the messages that the community had prepared for him. I presented a memorandum on behalf of the community. He gladly accepted that.”
Kaul further said that delegation expressed their gratitude to PM Modi on behalf of 7,00,000 Kashmiri Pandits across the world for “such a historic decision.”
Trump Likely to Deliver Speech on India at Howdy Modi
US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a 30-minute speech on India and Indian-Americans at the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in Houston on Sunday, which US officials asserted would bring fresh energy in the long-lasting relationship between the two democracies.
Trump, who as a Republican presidential candidate in 2016 promised to be India's best friend, is flying to Houston just to attend the 'Howdy Modi'.
As per the schedule released by the White House on late Saturday night, Trump will spend 100 minutes at the NRG Stadium.
He is also expected to be present in the audience during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address.
Guests Queue, Performances Begin as Doors Open for Howdy Modi
People have started gathering outside the NRG Stadium in Houston for Howdy Modi. One guest told ANI that PM Modi is an 'inspiration for the country and people around the globe.'
Protestors Gather Outside NRG Stadium Ahead of PM Modi's Speech
Protestors against PM Modi’s visit awaited the Prime Minister’s arrival, along with the supporters inside the stadium in Houston/
Protestors were seen holding posters and placards that read “Trump don’t embrace fascism” and “stop mob lynchings in India.”
US President Donald Trump Emplanes for Houston
President of the United States, Donald Trump has left for Houston, to attend the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event at the NRG stadium.
Texas Senator John Cornyn Arrives at NRG Stadium in Houston
Texas Senator John Cornyn was among the attendees at the ‘Howdy, Modi’. Cornyn had tweeted a welcome message before leaving for the state.
'Will Be a Great Day': US President Donald Trump, Ahead of Event
NRG Stadium Rings With Energetic Performances
Ahead of PM Modi’s arrival at the NRG stadium for the Howdy Modi event, performers at the venue entertained the audience while they waited for the arrival of PM Modi and Donald Trump.
Bhangra, Bharat Natyam, and classical music, among other acts were performed as the attendees awaited the prime minister.
Will Surely be a Great Day, Looking Forward: PM Modi Responds to Trump
Soon after US President Donald Trump tweeted that he will be in Houston to attend the Howdy Modi event, PM Modi responded saying that he is looking forward to meeting him soon.
Trump had earlier tweeted that he will be with his friend ‘Modi’, and that it will be a great day.
Announcement by President Trump Won't be a Surprise: Texas Senator
Texas Senator, John Cornyn, ahead of the beginning of the Howdy Modi event, said that it will not be surprising if President Trump makes some announcement during his speech.
“I don't know specifically about what sort of discussions thee President and PM Modi are going to have. I won't be surprised if there is some announcement by President Trump today, hopefully we'll be able to sort out trade differences,” Cornyn told news agency ANI.
US Congressional Delegation Welcomes PM Modi to Texas
A US Congressional delegation, on Sunday, 22 September, welcomed PM Modi to Texas at the 'Howdy, Modi' event ahead of his address to the Indian diaspora.
Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn welcomed PM Modi, the leader of the world’s largest democracy, with opening remarks.
Cruz said that America is proud to be India’s friend. “Today is also a celebration of the Indian-American community in USA including in Texas. We say thank you to you for your incredible contributions,” Cruz said.
Cornyn, welcomed PM Modi on stage, saying that the event is certainly a "Texas-sized welcome" for the PM.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Refers to Nehru, Gandhi on Modi's Welcome
US Representative, Steny Hoyer, while welcoming PM Modi to the event, laid down the relation India and the United States have shared across decades. “As we welcome PM Modi to Texas, we are inspired by the modern India he leads, while mindful of the challenges it faces,” Hoyer said. He said that the two countries are working towards making strides in access to education, clean water, healthcare, etc.
US President Donald Trump Arrives for Howdy Modi, Greeted by PM Modi
US President Donald Trump, arrived at the NRG Stadium in HOuston for the Howdy, Modi event, where both the leaders will address the 50,000 people gathering.
PM Modi Praises Trump in Opening Remarks at 'Howdy, Modi'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while delivering his opening remarks at the Howdy, Modi event, was all praises for US President Donald Trump. He said that the US President has left a deep and lasting impact everywhere. He said that the two have met often and every time, Trump has been the same warm, friendly, energetic and accessible. “I admire him also for his sense of leadership and passion for America,” PM Modi said.
“President, you had introduced me to your family in 2017, now let me introduce you to my family,” Modi said.
Committed to End Islamic Terrorism: Trump Addresses Howdy, Modi Gathering
US President Donald Trump addresses the 50,000 people gathering at the NRG stadium in Houston, Texas, after PM Modi delivered opening remarks at the event, praising Trump for his work and relations with India.
While addressing the gathering, Trump said that India will find a true friend in him, if he returns to power in the next presidential elections. He said that the relationship between India and the United States is stronger than ever before. Trump said that since the two constitutions begin with the same words, both the countries are governed by the rule of law and strengthened by our love for liberty.
Trump also praised PM Modi’s efforts as the prime minister for the past five years and thanked the Indian community for its contribution in the United States.
He further talked about border security, saying that both India and USA have understood that to keep the community safe, we must protect our borders.
“We are committed to protect citizens from radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump said.
New History, Chemistry in India-US Relations in the Works: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while delivering his address to the Indian diaspora at the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event said that a new history and a new chemistry is being built among the two nations. “The energy in NRG (stadium), is a witness to increasing synergy between India and US,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi further said that even though the event is called ‘Howdy, Modi’, he is nothing alone. He said that he is just a normal man who works on the order of 130 crore people.
'Diversity the Foundation of Our Vibrant Democracy': PM on Language Debate
As he said “India is doing great” in various Indian languages, PM Modi emphasised the diversity of Indian languages.
The prime minister said that what makes India a liberal and democratic society, is the various languages in the society. He said that for centuries, India has been moving forward with dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects. “Diversity is the foundation of our vibrant democracy,” PM Modi said
PM Modi Pitches for New India, Says Challenge is From Within
“India's biggest promise is New India,” PM Modi said. He said that the important thing is that with New India, Indians are not competing with anyone else, but are challenging ourselves, and changing ourselves in the process.
He said that with data becoming the new oil and gold, India has the cheapest data (internet). “1 GB is 25 to 30 cents, which means one fourth of a dollar,” he said.
PM Modi Brings Up Article 370, Pakistan in His Address
While speaking to the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up the abolishment of Article 370. He said that India has bid farewell to laws that have been saddled the country for the last 70 years. “Article 370 had kept the people Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh away from development and prosperity. With the removal of 370, the people of J&K and Ladakh have been given all benefits, including women, xhildren and Dalits.”
PM Modi also launched an attack on Pakistan, saying that they are terror sympathisers who can’t even manage their own country.
“In this fight, President Trump is against terror with full firmness,” PM Modi said.
'The USA Loves India!': Donald Trump After 'Howdy Modi' Event
US President Donald Trump, after the Howdy, Modi event in Houston, Texas, said that the USA loves India in a tweet. Trump also tweeted out the video of PM Modi entering the NRG stadium for the event, along with his message for India.
'PM Has Violated Time-Honoured Principle of Indian Foreign Policy': Congress
Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma, after PM Modi’s address in Houston, Texas, at the Howdy, Modi event, said that the Prime Minister “violated the time-honoured principle of Indian foreign policy of not interfering in the domestic elections of another country.”
Sharma added that India’s relationship with the US have throughout been bipartisan. “Your actively campaigning for Trump is a breach of both India and America as sovereign nations and democracies,” Sharma said in a tweet.
''Howdy, Modi' Was Unprecedented': Amit Shah
Taking to Twitter, Home Minister Amit Shah called the 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston "unprecedented", one which has left an "indelible footprint of a stronger India on the world map."
"Thanks to PM Narendra Modi ji's leadership, entire world today stands firmly with India in its decisive fight against the menace of terrorism," Shah said.
PM Modi Arrives in New York, Will Speak at UN's Climate Change Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York, where will take part in the UNSG's Summit on Climate Change and leaders' dialogue on 'Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives'.
'Your Presence Indicates Your Respect Towards India': Modi Thanks Trump
Sab Accha Hai, Except Unemployment, Job Loss: Chidambaram's Dig at Modi
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who is jailed in the INX Media case, took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Bharat mai sab accha hai' comment.
PM Modi made this comment at the 'Howdy, Modi' event in Texas, US.
Chidambaram's Lawyers File Rejoinder in Delhi HC
The lawyers of P Chidambaram submitted a rejoinder in the Delhi HC on Monday, 23 September, claiming that there was “no loss to the exchequer” in the case.
“No public funds were involved in this case and it is not a case of bank fraud or taking money out of the country” said Chidambaram.