Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the mega "Howdy Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Future" event at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday. In a special gesture, US President Donald Trump and other officials are also present during the event.
The “Howdy Modi” event is the largest gathering ever for an elected foreign leader visiting the US, other than the Pope. The event is attended by more than 50,000 members of the Indian community. The event is seen as a reflection of deep and special relationship between India and the US.
Modi arrived in Houston, the energy capital of the world, on Saturday 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.
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- Modi invites Trump to India: "Mr. President Trump I want you to come to India, with your family. Our friendship will take our shared dreams and our vibrant future to new heights."
- "President Trump calls me a 'tough negotiator', but he himself is a master of the 'art of the deal' and I am learning a lot from him," says PM Modi
- PM Modi: Be it the 9/11 in the United States or 26/11 in Mumbai, where are the conspirators found? Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism.
- PM Modi on Article 370: Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terror and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now people there have got equal rights. Some people have a problem with abrogation of article 370, these are same people who cant govern their own country properly. These are the same people who shield terrorism and nurture it. Whole world knows them very well. Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and against those who promote terror. I want to stress on the fact that in this fight, President Trump is standing firmly.
- "On the 2nd of October when the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India will bid farewell to open defecation. In the last 5 years we have bid farewell to 1500 archaic laws. "
- PM Modi: Today India is challenging the mindset of some people who believe that - nothing can change. Now we are aiming high and we are achieving higher.
- "For us 'ease of living' is as important as 'ease of doing business' and for that empowerment is important. When the common citizen is empowered then the nation moves forward on the path of social and economic development."
- India working day and night to realise its goal of new India; we are challenging and changing ourself, says Modi
- "Recent elections showcased Indian democracy's greatness across world, 61 cr people, twice US population, voted"
- Our many languages are identity of our liberal and democratic society. Diversity is basis of our democracy: Modi
- "This atmosphere is unprecedented & extraordinary, when you talk of Texas then everything is on a grand scale. I'm seeing history being made, and a new chemistry also.," says PM Modi.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the mega event: "This event is called "Howdy Modi", but I am no one, I am a common man working on the directions of 130 crore Indians."
- Trump: "Very soon India will have to access to another world class American product-NBA basketball. Wow, sounds good. Next week thousands in Mumbai will watch the first ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr. Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come."
- Border security is vital to both US and India, Trump says as Modi claps.
- "I look forward to work with Modi to make our nations more prosperous than ever before, Trump says as he praises role of Indian Americans."
- Trump: India has never invested in Unites States like it is doing today, and I want to say it is reciprocal because we are doing the same thing in India
- Trump describes PM Modi as America's greatest, most loyal friend; says he is doing exceptional job for India. As a result of PM Modi's pro-growth policies, India has lifted nearly 300 million out of poverty, and that is an incredible number, says Trump
- US President Donald Trump addresses the mega event; Trump greets 'Happy Birthday' to PM Modi who turned 69 last week.
- PM Modi on Donald Trump: We have met a few times, and every time he has been the same warm, friendly, energetic and accessible. I admire him also for his sense of leadership and passion for America. We in India connected well with President Trump and with the words of candidate Trump, 'Ab ki baar Trump sarkar', rang loud and clear
- Modi welcomes Trump to the event; "It is my honour and privilege to welcome Trump at this magnificent gathering," says Modi.
- US President Donald Trump arrives at the crowded NRG stadium in Houston where he will address the Indian-American community along with Modi; Trump is received by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
- The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presents the Key to the City to Narendra Modi as the mark of respect, solidarity and long standing India-Houston relationship.
- America is proud to be India's friend: Ted Cruz
"India is the largest democracy on face of Earth. America is proud to be your 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," US Senator for Texas, Ted Cruz said.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at NRG Stadium in Houston; Modi meets US lawmakers on stage
- United States Congressional delegation arrives on stage at the 'Howdy,Modi' event in Houston.
- Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner is addressing the crowd. "Many Indian companies have their headquarters right here. Today we are humbled to have the Prime Minister come to our city," said Turner.
"Houston is the most diverse city in the US, and we say Howdy in more than 140 languages. 1/4th of us come from another country," says Turner.
- Trump to make some announcement? "I won't be surprised if there is some announcement by President Trump today, hopefully we will be able to sort out the trade differences," United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn says.
- PM Modi responds to Trump: "It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon @realDonaldTrump"
- Cultural programmes underway at 'Howdy, Modi' event. The event began with a Sikh Gurbani prayer from the Kirtan singers of the Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati. The 90-minute music, dance and multimedia show features around 400 artistes. The cultural programmes showcase the diversity in the Indian-American community, organisers said.
- United States Senator for Texas, John Cornyn arrives at NRG stadium.
- "We'll be going to Houston and we'll be at a very nice big stadium packed full of people with Prime Minister Modi," Trump told reporters on the South Lawns of the White House before he left for Houston
- City of Houston tweets: For those attending @HowdyModi please take note of the @nrgpark clear bag policy in effect. Backpacks, purses, and diaper bags are not permitted. #NRGStadium strongly encourages fans not to bring any bags. #HowdyModi @cgihou
- Stadium full-packed: Indian-American community turned out in "full force," tweets event organiser Texas India Forum; More than 13000 people already entered into the NRG stadium, tweets BJP leader Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale
- Trump leaves for Houston: US President Donald Trump emplaned for Houston to attend 'Howdy, Modi' event. Besides Trump, several other US officials will also be present during the event.
