PM Narendra Modi in Houston, US HIGHLIGHTS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed an event that could be best described as “historic by any foreign leader on the US soil” with President Donald Trump by his side for gala Howdy Modi event at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both Prime Minister Modi and President Trump addressed a strong crowd of over 50000 Indian Americans in what could be called biggest ever political event for the Indian leader outside India.
Speaking at the event, both the leaders praised each other for taking Indo-US relationship at greater heights. They also committed to take on “radical Islamic terrorism” that has bled both India and the US. PM Modi said that the time has come to launch a decisive battle against terrorism. Without naming Pakistan, Modi hit out at the neghbouring country for “nurturing and supporting” terrorism.
After their speech, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump took a lap around the NRG Stadium by holding each other’s hands.
Trump calls me a tough negotiator but he himself is an expert in 'The Art of Deal'. I'm learning a lot from him, says Modi at Howdy Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra 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.
In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Modi today said there are some people who cannot handle their own country's affairs but have problem with developments in India. "These are the same people who support and nurtured terrorism," he said.
India is today aiming high and achieving higher.
PM Modi at Howdy Modi: Our various languages are an important identity of our liberal and democratic society. For centuries our nation has been moving forward with dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects. Diversity is the foundation of our vibrant democracy.
I apologise to people who were not able to make it for the event due to lack of space in the stadium. This atmosphere is unprecedented and extraordinary when you talk of Texas then everything is on a grand scale. I am seeing history being made, and new chemistry also. India's diversity is the strength of the country's vibrant democracy. This event is called #HowdyModi, but I am no one, I am a common man working on the directions of 130 crore Indians.
The name of this event is Howdy Modi hai. But Modi alone is nothing. I am a person working for the wishes of 130 crore people in India. So when you ask - Howdy Modi, I would say all is well in India.
Prime Minister Modi said that the world was witnessing history in making in the US.
After President Trump's speech highlighting the close ties between India and the US, Prime Minister starts his speech in Hindi.
Donald Trump said that his administration is going to take care of our Indian Americans citizens before any illegal immigrants in America.
Donald Trump: India, US will together fight against radical Islamic terrorism.
India has never invested in the US like it is doing today and it's reciprocal as we are doing the same in India, says Donald Trump.
US President Donald Trump: 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. #HowdyModi
"India will never have better US President than me and Prime Minister Modi knows it," says Donald Trump while addressing his joint rally with Narendra Modi.
Howdy Modi: Today, he is here with us it's my honour and privilege to welcome here in this magnificent stadium and magnificent gathering. Every time I meet him, I can feel the energy and warmth. Millions around in different time zones are with us today and are witnessing history in the making.
From CEO to commander-in-chief, Modi praises Donald Trump at Howdy Modi event at NRG Stadium at Houston.
US President Donald Trump has arrived at NRG Stadium in Houston. He was received by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. #HowdyModi
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweets: Electric atmosphere at the NRG arena in Houston as 50,000 strong Indian Americans wait for the historic occasion when PM Narendra Modi comes on stage together with US President Donald Trump at #HowdyModi.
Majority Leader Steny H Hoyer: We are inspired by the modern India he (Prime Minister Modi) leads while mindful of the challenges, undeterred as India reaches into a new frontier of space and equally determined to lift millions out of poverty back on earth. #HowdyModi
Howdy Modi at Houston: Amid Donald Trump-Narendra Modi bonhomie at NRG Stadium at Houston, Democratic party leader Bernie Sanders has criticised India over the lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir.
House Majority Leader Steny H Hoyer: (India) like America proud of its traditions to secure a future according to Gandhi's teachings and Nehru's vision of India as a secular democracy where respect for pluralism and human rights safeguard every individual. #HowdyModi
Prime Minister Modi thanked Houston for the rapturous welcome at NRG Stadium for the HowdyModi event.
Steny Hoyer at Howdy Modi: I want to thank thousands of Indian Americans who have made a difference. So long as there are tears and suffering, our work will not be over.
Proud of US Congress for strengthening partnership with India. Today, US-India partnership is spread across several areas, says Steny Hoyer.
Donald Trump will be the first American President to address such a large gathering of Indian-Americans.
Hoyer says India US ties remain bipartisan. He invokes the father of the nation, Mahatama Gandhi.
Ted Cruz and John Cornyn both reaffirmed their support for US India relations and welcomed PM Narendra Modi to Texas.
#HowdyModi
Democratic party house leader Steny Hoyer welcomes PM Modi. Before him, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner presented 'Key to Houston' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner presents 'Key to Houston' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"India is the largest democracy on the face of the earth and America is proud to be your friend": Ted Cruz at NRG Stadium, Houston
This is certainly a Texas-sized welcome for PM Modi: John Cornyn
A number of elected representatives are now on the stage at NRG Stadium for Howdy Modi event.
A number of elected representatives are now on the stage at NRG Stadium for Howdy Modi event.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is addressing Howdy Modi event: Contribution of the Indian diaspora is huge in science, technology, culture.
#WATCH LIVE from Houston, USA: 'Howdy Modi' event underway at NRG Stadium https://t.co/HWDTCUbbAP
United States Senator for Texas, John Cornyn: 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. #HowdyModi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at NRG Stadium, Houston to address his mega-event with President Trump. Moments before his arrival at the Stadium, Modi had replied to US President Trump's tweet saying it surely will be a great day.
Prime Minister Modi responds to Trump saying, "It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon @realDonaldTrump."
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President Trump ahead of the mega event: "Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas! 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 and Modi will address over 50,000 Indian-Americans at the NRG Stadium shortly.
President Trump tweets: Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas! He will join Prime Minister Modi at NRG Stadium shortly.
HowdyModi: The blockbuster event begins with a Sikh Gurbani prayer from the Kirtan singers of the Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati.