Howdy, Modi! In Houston: PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump share stage at "Howdy, Modi!"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reached NRG Stadium where he spoke at "Howdy, Modi!", a grand event currently taking place in Houston, Texas. PM Modi arrived in the US for a week-long visit on Saturday. The "Howdy, Modi!" event is being attended by an audience of close to 50,000, most of them from the Indian community in the US. President Donald Trump also reached the venue of the event and shared the stage with PM Modi. Apart from Donald Trump, the "Howdy, Modi!" event played host to a number of US lawmakers, prominent Indian Americans and around 400 artistes performing a multitude of cultural shows.
"Howdy Houston! It's a bright afternoon here in Houston. Looking forward to a wide range of programmes in this dynamic and energetic city today and tomorrow," PM Modi earlier tweeted.
President Trump delivered a speech at the event on India and Indian Americans at the event. The event held immense significance since India and the US which failed to agree upon a trade deal, with the US imposing tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum imports. After the event, PM Modi and President Trump are likely going to negotiate a limited trade deal.
"It will be a great opportunity to emphasise the strong ties between the people of the United States and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship," White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham had said last week over the significance of the "Howdy, Modi!" event.
Here are the highlights of the "Howdy, Modi!" Houston Event:
Schedule of PM Modi in New York- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York Sunday night to participate in the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly after delivering an electrifying address in Houston to over 50,000 members of the Indian diaspora at a mega community event also addressed by President Donald Trump.
- PM Modi has a packed bilateral and multi-lateral agenda over the next five days, including nine key speeches at high-level summits and plurilateral engagements during the UN General Assembly session and on its sidelines.
- India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin has said that the country's engagement and outreach at the 74th UN General Assembly will be unprecedented and will result in concrete, tangible, action-oriented outcomes.
- A total of over 75 Heads of State and Foreign Ministers will be meeting PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan during the week across various platforms.
- PM Modi's day today will begin with the high-level Climate Action Summit hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in the UN General Assembly chamber.
- He is among the first set of speakers to address the summit, along with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, President of Marshall Islands Hilda Heine and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
- Over 63 countries have been invited to speak at the Summit, which will demonstrate solutions by governments, the private sector and civil society to reduce emissions and build climate resilience and adaptation.
- Immediately after this session, PM Modi will address the first-ever High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, which will launch new efforts to provide access for all to affordable, inclusive and resilient health systems.
- Later in the day, PM Modi will address the "Leaders Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives", organized by a group of countries, along with the UN Secretariat, which deals with the Office of Counterterrorism.
- The meeting is led by King of Jordan Abdullah II, President of France Emmanuel Macron and PM of New Zealand.
- On September 24, India will be highlighting a new feature of its approach at the UN through the plurilateral "India-Pacific Islands Leaders" Meeting. India and the Pacific nations have met under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC), first in Fiji in 2014 and then in Jaipur in 2015.
- Leaders of Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu will attend this high-level meet.
- PM Modi has been invited by Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies Founder Michael Bloomberg to deliver the keynote address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in the morning of September 25.
- Following this, there will be a large number of interactions with CEOs. Later in the afternoon, India will engage with the CARICOM group of countries at the first leaders' level summit expected to last about two hours.
- Leaders from Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago will attend this summit.
- PM Modi will have several bilateral meetings during his visit and will address the General Debate on September 27. He could have a bilateral meeting with Trump between September 23 and 25.
- Mr Jaishankar too has a packed schedule of meetings and engagements and he will participate in the BRICS, G4 and SAARC Foreign Ministers meet on the sidelines of the General Assembly session.
- Mr Muraleedharan will engage with the countries of the NAM, the Group of 77, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures (CICA), Commonwealth and SAMOA Pathway.
PM Modi arrives in New York, will attend 74th UN General Assembly Session
PM Modi departs for New York
READ HERE: Howdy, Modi Event: "Don't Be Surprised, I May Come": Trump On First NBA Game In IndiaUS President Donald Trump today had a question for Prime Minister Narendra Modi about a 'surprise visit' to India. While addressing a 50,000-strong cheering crowd at the sold-out 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston, President Trump asked whether PM Modi would invite him to India to watch the first game of basketball that the NBA will organise in India. It is also the first game staged in India by a North American sports league.
Howdy Modi Live: "You may be far from the country, but the country's government is not far from you": PM Modi
"You may be far from the country, but the country's government is not far from you," PM Modi said. "Mr President, I invite you to come to India with your family," he added.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "While he calls me a top negotiator, he is a master of the Art of the Deal," said PM Modi
"While he (Donald Trump) calls me a top negotiator, he is a master of the Art of the Deal," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi event in Houston: "Hope to have some positive results from my talks with President Trump over the next few days": PM Modi
"I hope to have some positive results from my talks with President Trump over the next few days," PM Modi said.
PM Modi in Houston, Texas: "Now, India has decided to become a $5 trillion economy," said PM Modi
"Now, India has decided to become a $5 trillion economy. Exports and investments are our focus. We are going to spend $1.3 trillion on infrastructure," said PM Modi.
"India's growth rate has averaged 7.3% in the last five years. This has never happened before. For the first time there is low inflation, high growth," he added.
Howdy Modi: "India is not putting off challenges, we are taking them head on": PM Modi
"India is not putting off challenges, we are taking them head on. India is not going for incremental change, it is stressing on permanent solutions, on things that seem impossible," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Event Houston: "Time has come for a decisive fight against terror," says PM Modi
"The time has come for a decisive fight against terrorism and those who support terrorism," said PM Modi.
"I want to stress here that here President Trump is standing firmly against this," he said. "I want you to give a standing ovation to his resolve as well," PM Modi added.
Howdy Modi Event in Houston: "Whether it is 9/11 in America or 26/11 in Mumbai, where are its conspirators found?": PM Modi
"Whether it is 9/11 in America or 26/11 in Mumbai, where are its conspirators found?": PM Modi
Howdy Modi News: "What India is doing has troubled some people who can't even manage their own country": PM Modi
"What India is doing has troubled some people who can't even manage their own country. They have made hatred towards India the centre of their agenda. They support terror, they harbor terrorists. Not just you, the whole world knows who these people are," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "I request you to give a standing ovation to the lawmakers of India," said PM Modi
"Both houses of parliament debated this for hours, and it was telecast live. Even though we don't have majority in the upper house, but still both the houses cleared the motion with two-thirds majority. I request you to give a standing ovation to the lawmakers of India," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Article 370 had kept people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh away from progress and rights": PM Modi
"Article 370 had kept people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh away from progress and rights. Terrorists and separatists were using it to their advantage. Now people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have the same rights as every Indian. The discrimination against women and Dalits has ended," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi: "When India celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, it will bid farewell to open defecation": PM Modi
"As much importance we have given to welfare, we have also done to 'farewell'. This time, when India celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, it will bid farewell to open defecation," said PM Modi. "Old laws, tax regimes have all been said farewell to. We are challenging corruption, taking steps to say farewell to it on many levels," he added.
Howdy Modi: "Today, they say data is the new oil," said PM Modi
"Today, they say data is the new oil. When it comes to oil, you people of Houston know it very well," PM Modi said.
"I will even say data is the new gold, Industrial Revolution 4.0 is all about data," PM Modi said. "Today, if there is cheapest data available anywhere, it is India. Today, 1 GB data costs just 25-30 cents in India," he added.
"It is helping the digital governance too. Passports used to take 2-3 months, now passports reach home in a week," PM Modi said.
"Today, rural sanitation is at 99%. Cooking gas connections used to be 55%, within 5 years, we have brought it to 95%. In just 5 years, we have given gas connections to 15 crore people. In five years rural road connectivity has been brought to 97%. Today, almost 100% of Indian families are connected to banking," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi: "In the last five years, 130 crore Indians have achieved things which on one could have even imagined": PM Modi
"In the last five years, 130 crore Indians have achieved things which on one could have even imagined. We are aiming high, we are achieving higher," PM Modi said.
Howdy Modi Event: "We are challenging ourselves, changing ourselves": PM Modi
"We are challenging ourselves. We are changing ourselves. Today, India wants to go ahead at a greater pace. Today, India is challenging those who believe nothing can change," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi in Houston: "Patience is the identity of Indians but now we are impatient for India's progress," said PM Modi
"Patience is the identity of Indians but now we are impatient for India's progress. Today's India's biggest topic is development, the biggest mantra is sabka saath, sabka vikaas," PM Modi said.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Highest number of women voters voted in thus election": PM Modi
"The highest number of women voters voted in thus election and the highest number of women have been elected. Why did it happen? No, not because of Modi. It happened because of Indians," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Event in Houston: "Many of you participated in the biggest festival of democracy, the 2019 elections," said PM Modi
"Many of you participated in the biggest festival of democracy, the 2019 elections. 61 crore voters participated in the election. In a way, twice as much of America's total population," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Unity in diversity is our heritage, it is our specialty," said PM Modi
"Unity in diversity is our heritage, it is our specialty. It is proof of our vibrant democracy. This is our power, inspiration. Wherever we go, we take principles of diversity and democracy. Today 50,000 Indians here are representatives of our great culture," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Working on the instructions of 130 crore Indians": PM Modi
"I am an ordinary man working on the instructions of 130 crore Indians," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Houston is Strong": PM Modi on Houston floods, days before "Howdy, Modi!"
"I will also praise Houston authorities who got it back on its feet days after the floods, and like President Trump said, Houston is Strong," said PM Modi.
Howdy Modi Updates: "I congratulate organisers of this event," PM Modi said
"Many American friends are here, I welcome them on behalf of all Indians and I congratulate the organisers of this event," PM Modi said.
"I am told a large number of people registered for this event and thousands had to be turned back because of a lack of space," PM Modi said. "I apologise to them personally," he added.
Howdy Modi Houston: "Salute to 1.3 billion Indians," said PM Modi
"President Trump coming here, different representatives - Democrats and Republicans - and saying so much for me, wishing me it is the salute of Indians living in US," said PM Modi. "It is a salute to 1.3 billion Indians," he added.
Howdy Modi Event: "This giant human surge is not limited to arithmetic," said PM Modi
"This giant human surge is not limited to arithmetic. Today, we are witnessing a new history being made and a new chemistry too," said PM Modi. "The energy of NRG (stadium at Houston) is witness to the growing synergy between India and US," he added.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "This scene, this atmosphere...it is unimaginable," said PM Modi
"This scene, this atmosphere... it is unimaginable. And when it comes to Texas, everything has to be bigger and spectacular," said PM Modi. "Today, the spirit of Texas is reflecting here today," he added.
Howdy Modi Event: "Howdy, my friends," says PM Modi as he starts speaking again, this time in Hindi
"Howdy, my friends," says PM Modi as he starts speaking again, this time in Hindi.
Howdy Modi Event in Houston: "We have to secure our borders," said Donald Trump
"Both India and US understand to keep our countries safe, we have to secure our borders," said Donald Trump. "I want to thank a great man and a great leader Prime Minister Modi," he added.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Committed to free world of radical Islamic terror": Trump
"We are committed to free the world of radical Islamic terrorism," said Donald Trump
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "India will hold joint military exercise Tiger Triumph...good name," said Donald Trump
"India will hold joint military exercise Tiger Triumph...good name," said Trump.
Howdy Modi LIVE: "Am I invited Prime Minister...?" Trump's joke over first NBA event in India
"Soon Indians will access to NBA Basketball. People will gather in Mumbai to watch first NBA game in India," said Donald Trump.
"Am I invited Prime Minister?" joked Donald Trump.
Howdy Modi Event in Houston: "We are committed to ensure Indians have access to the world's best products," said Donald Trump
"We are committed to ensure Indians have access to the world's best products," said Donald Trump.
Howdy Modi Event Houston: "India has never invested in the US like it is doing today": Donald Trump
"India has never invested in the US like it is doing today and it is reciprocal, we are doing the same in India," said Donald Trump.
Howdy Modi In Houston: "Look forward to working with you to make our nations more prosperous than ever," said Trump
"PM Modi, I look forward to working with you to make our nations more prosperous than ever before," said Donald Trump.
PM Modi In Houston: "Ab ki baar, Trump sarkaar," PM Modi said
PM Modi In Houston: "India lifted 300 million people out of poverty," said Donald Trump
"With the help of PM Modi's pro-growth reforms, India has lifted 300 million people out of poverty," said Donald Trump.
Howdy Modi in Houston: "Have never had a better friend in White House..." said Trump
"You have never had a better friend in the White House than President Donald Trump," said Trump.
Howdy Modi in Houston: "My administration fights for you every day," says Donald Trump
"My administration fights for you every day," said Trump. "Indian Americans, you enrich our culture, you uplift our values, we are proud to have as Americans," he added.
"PM Modi and I have come to Houston to celebrate everything that defines India America relationship," he said.
Howdy Modi In Houston: Donald Trump wishes PM Modi a belated Happy Birthday
"Everyone here joins me in wishing you a very happy birthday," said Donald Trump.
Howdy Modi: "It is my immense privilege to be here": Donald Trump
"It is my immense privilege to be here," Trump said.
"Just a few months ago in the largest democratic election in history, 600 million Indians went to polls and voted overwhelmingly for PM Modi," he added.
Howdy Modi In Houston: "I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's most loyal and devoted friend," said Donald Trump
"Hello Houston, I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's most loyal and devoted friends PM Modi," said Donald Trump.
BREAKING: Donald Trump starts to speak
BREAKING: Donald Trump starts to speak
PM Modi In Houston: "You can hear the heartbeat of this great partnership in this celebration of the world's two largest democracies," said PM Modi
"Mr President this morning in Houston, you can hear the heartbeat of this great partnership in this celebration of the world's two largest democracies," said PM Modi.
"You can feel the strength and depth of the bonds between our two nations," PM Modi said. "People are at the heart of all relationships. From Houston to Hyderabad, from Boston to Bengaluru, from Chicago to Shimla, from Los Angeles to Ludhiana," PM Modi added.
PM Modi In Houston: "I admire him for his sense of leadership," said PM Modi
"I admire him for something more. His sense of leadership, a passion for America, a concern for every American, a belief in American future and a strong resolve to make America great again," said PM Modi.
"He has already made the American economy strong again. He has achieved much for the US and for the world," PM Modi said. "In these years our two nations have taken the relationship to new heights," he added.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "I found the friendliness, the warmth, the energy, the President of the United States of America": PM Modi
"And I can say I had a chance to meet him often and every time I found the friendliness, the warmth, the energy, the President of the United States of America": PM Modi
Howdy Modi Live: "Today he is here with us," PM Modi said
"Today he is here with us. It is my honour and privilege to welcome here in this magnificent stadium and magnificent gathering," said PM Modi, referring to Donald Trump.
"Friends as I told you, we have met a few times and every time he has been the warm, friendly, accessibly, energetic and full of wit," he added.
"Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston: "He has left a deep and lasting impact everywhere," said PM Modi referring to Donald Trump
"From CEO to Commander in Chief, from boardrooms to the oval office, from studios to the global stage, from politics to the economy and to security, he has left a deep and lasting impact everywhere," said PM Modi at "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston.
BREAKING: Howdy Modi in Houston: "We have a very special person with us," says PM Modi
"Greetings to my fellow Indians in India and around the world. Friends, this morning, we have a very special person with us," says PM Modi at "Howdy, Modi!" event.
PM Modi Speaks in Houston: "Good morning Houston. Good Morning Texas, Good Morning America"
"Good morning Houston. Good Morning Texas, Good Morning America," says PM Modi.
BREAKING: PM Modi Speaks At "Howdy, Modi!" Event
BREAKING: PM Modi Speaks At "Howdy, Modi!" Event
Howdy Modi Houston Event: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage at NRG stadium in Houston
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage at NRG stadium in Houston
Howdy, Modi Houston Event: WATCH: US President Trump with PM Modi at 'Howdy Modi' event
WATCH: US President Trump with PM Modi at 'Howdy Modi' event
BREAKING: Trump, PM Modi share stage together at "Howdy, Modi!" event
Donald Trump, PM Modi share stage together at "Howdy, Modi!" event.
Howdy Modi Event: Donald Trump, PM Modi walk to stage for "Howdy, Modi!" event together
Donald Trump, PM Narendra Modi walk to stage for "Howdy, Modi!" event together
Howdy Modi: Soulful fusion rendition of 'Vaishnav Jan...' by Indian and American Gospel singers in honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
Soulful fusion rendition of 'Vaishnav Jan...' by Indian and American Gospel singers in honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: WATCH: Donald Trump arrives at NRG Stadium
BREAKING: Howdy Modi in Houston: Donald Trump reaches Houston's NRG Stadium
Donald Trump reaches Houston's NRG Stadium
PM Modi In Houston: PM Narendra Modi in Houston, accorded grand welcome by audience of 50,000
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a rousing welcome on Sunday when he arrived at the crowded NSG stadium to address the Indian-American community along with US President Donald Trump, reported news agency PTI.
Trump would join PM Modi as a "special gesture" by the US President to underscore the special bond between the two countries. It is for the first time that Trump and Modi would share a stage together and address a record crowd of 50,000 Indian-Americans.
Welcoming PM Modi, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner highlighted the significance of the event and said that Indians have been a key figure in the development of his city.
"Honoured to say Howdy to Modi in Houston." he said, according to PTI.
Organised by the non-profit Texas India Forum, the event, with the tagline ''Shared Dreams, Bright Futures'', will shine light on the tremendous contribution of Indo-Americans in United States and the strong and lasting partnership between the US and India.
Ahead of PM Modi's address, Indian-American artists from Texas and elsewhere performed cultural programmes.
Howdy Modi Latest News: Performers sing a fusion of 'Amazing Grace' and Mahatma Gandhi's 'Vaishnava Janato'
Performers sing a fusion of 'Amazing Grace' and Mahatma Gandhi's 'Vaishnava Janato'.
Howdy Modi Houston event news: "Thank you Houston for such amazing affection," tweets Prime Minister's Office
"Thank you Houston for such amazing affection," tweets Prime Minister's Office
Howdy Modi Updates: Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor exudes excitement over the event
As the much-anticipated ''Howdy Modi!'' mega-event kicked off at Houston''s NRG Stadium on Sunday, Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor cheered for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, reported news agency ANI.
The 67-year exuded excitement over the event where the two leaders will address the gathering of over 50,000 Indian-Americans and tweeted, "#howdymodi "Go Modi" - "Go Trump" - Houston, US. Proud of our being. Proud of the community. Proud of India."
Howdy Modi Updates: "An honour to welcome PM Modi to USA," says Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader
"An honour to welcome PM Modi to USA," says Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader
Howdy Modi Updates: WATCH: PM Narendra Modi arrives on stage at NRG stadium in Houston
PM Narendra Modi arrives on stage at NRG stadium in Houston.
Howdy Modi Live: Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presents the Key to the City to PM Narendra Modi
Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presents the Key to the City to PM Narendra Modi as the mark of respect, solidarity and long standing India-Houston relationship," tweets Texas India Forum, organisers of "Howdy, Modi!".
Howdy Modi Latest News: WATCH: PM Modi walks to "Howdy, Modi!" stage
Howdy Modi Live Updates: SEE PICS: PM Narendra Modi waves to crowd, greets US senators at "Howdy, Modi!" event
Howdy Modi LIVE, SEE PICS: PM Modi on stage for "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston, shakes hands of US senators
BREAKING: PM Narendra Modi on stage, waves to crowd at "Howdy, Modi!" event
PM Narendra Modi on stage, waves to crowd at "Howdy, Modi!" event amid loud cheers
Howdy Modi Event Houston: "America is proud to be your friend," said Senator Ted Cruz
"India is 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," said Senator Ted Cruz.
Howdy, Modi Event: Chants of "Modi, Modi" reverberate across Houston's NRG stadium
Howdy Modi Event: Indian-Americans very enthusiastic about PM Modi, Donald Trump jointly addressing "Howdy, Modi!"
Indian-Americans are very enthusiastic about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump jointly addressing a mega ''Howdy, Modi'' rally, an event they believe would take the bilateral ties to a new level, reported PTI.
Dallas-based Ashok Mago said that ''Howdy, Modi'' is an opportunity for the two leaders to showcase to the world the shared values and principles of the two largest democratic countries of the world.
"This meeting has great significance," Mago was quoted as saying by PTI.
"It (Howdy Modi) shows that President Trump wants the US-India relationship strong and is committed to this. I do not think that President Trump has shared a dais with a visiting foreign leader like this," Dallas-based Mago told PTI as he awaited to greet Trump at the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston.
Howdy Modi Event in Houston: US Senators speak at "Howdy, Modi!" event
US Senators begin speaking at "Howdy, Modi!" event, praise US-India relations
Howdy Modi event: "India is the 4th largest trading partner in Houston," says Sylvester Turner, Houston Mayor
Howdy, Modi event BREAKING: PM Narendra Modi arrives at NRG stadium in Houston, to address gathering shortly
PM Narendra Modi arrives at NRG stadium in Houston, to address gathering shortly
"Howdy, Modi!" event: Sylvester Turner, mayor of Houston has started to speak at the "Howdy, Modi!" event
"Many Indian companies have their headquarters right here. Today we are humbled to have the Prime Minister come to our city," said Sylvester Turner, mayor of Houston.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: Crowd begins chanting, cheering for PM Modi
The crowd gathered at the "Howdy, Modi!" event at Houston, Texas began cheering and chanting for PM Narendra Modi.
SEE PICS: Vibrant turnout at "Howdy, Modi!" Event, people cheer for India
Howdy Modi Event: "Amazing yoga performance," tweet "Howdy, Modi!" organisers
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Won't be surprised if there is some announcement," says US senator 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," US senator for Texas John Cornyn was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: "Howdy, Modi!" started off with cultural performances
WATCH: Howdy Modi Event: "Mesmerizing fusion of Sur, Taal & Strings when East meets West," tweet organisers
"Mesmerizing fusion of Sur, Taal & Strings when East meets West," tweet Texas India Forum, the organisers of "Howdy, Modi!"
Howdy Modi Houston Event: Festival-like atmosphere at "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston, Texas
A festival-like atmosphere pervaded the NRG stadium as thousands of members of the Indian diaspora gathered for the 'Howdy, Modi!' event on Sunday to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and listen to his address, reported news agency IANS.
Indian men and women dressed in colourful traditional attire hailing from different parts of India, including Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat, were gathering for the three-hour event, which will also see US President Donald Trump share the stage with Modi in a special gesture.
The beating of drums, cheering and shouts of "Modi, Modi" went up from among the crowd. Around 50,000 members of the Indian diaspora are expected to attend the 'Howdy, Modi!' event, for which tickets were sold out many weeks ago.
"The energy in the stadium is palpable as the crowd awaits Prime Minister Modi's address," TIF tweeted ahead of the event that has the theme 'Shared Dreams Brighter Futures'.
Howdy Modi Even in Houston: SEE PICS: Vibrant cultural programme on display at Houston's "Howdy, Modi!" event
Howdy Modi Event in Houston: Dancers perform at "Howdy, Modi!" in Houston
Dancers perform at Howdy Modi event in Houston. PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump to arrive shortly, tweeted news agency ANI.
WATCH: Dance Programme begins at "Howdy, Modi!" event in HoustonDance Programme begins at "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston
Howdy modi event: "Will boost bilateral relations," union minister on "Howdy, Modi!" event
"US president Donald Trump is sharing the dais with the Indian prime minister, which will further boost the bilateral relations between the two countries and send a clear message to the world, paving way for investment and more business opportunities in India," union minister Anurag Thakur was quoted as saying by PTI.
Trump and PM Modi are good friends and their friendship will definitely benefit Indians living in America, he said, adding that the eyes of the world are on the "Howdy Modi" event which highlights the popularity of the prime minister, unlike opposition leaders who are even unable to attract a few thousand individuals.
Howdy Modi Houston Event: 90-minute music, dance and multimedia show features around 400 artistes
The cultural programme preceding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, showcasing Indian-American artists from Texas and elsewhere, will portray how the community is woven into the larger tapestry of American life. It will involve broad-based community participation across the United States.
The 90-minute music, dance, and multimedia show features close to 400 artists and community members from Texas and across the nation.
"A challenge that many second and third generation Indian-Americans go through is navigating the complexity of having a hyphenated identity as an Indian and an American. Woven showcases the multiplicity of Indian-American experience. Our hope is that each person sees themselves in at least one form of expression and recognises that whatever mix of Indian and American they are, it is just right," said Heena Patel, CEO of MELA Arts Connect and co-producer of the program, according to PTI.
Howdy Modi Event Houston: "We're going to have a good time," says Donald Trump before leaving for Houston
Looking forward to address ''Howdy, Modi'' rally in Houston, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a good time at the mega event.
"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, where he and PM Modi would address over 50,000 Indian-Americans, reported news agency PTI.
"He (Modi) asked if I would go with him and I've accepted and We're going to have a good time," Trump said minutes before he boarded Marine One from the White House lawns. "I hear it's a tremendous crowd," he added.
Organised by the non-profit Texas India Forum, the event, with the tagline ''Shared Dreams, Bright Futures'', will shine light on the tremendous contribution of Indo-Americans in United States and the strong and lasting partnership between the US and India.
"Howdy, Modi!" Event In Houston: Kirtan singers of Cincinnati sing a prayer at the NRG stadium
Kirtan singers of Cincinnati sing a prayer at the NRG stadium.
Howdy, Modi LIVE: Event set to begin shortly
Watch "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston LIVE here: