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:
- 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.
Lending India's voice to the global discourse
- Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 23, 2019
PM @narendramodi arrives in #NYC for #UNGA74. PM will be participating in sessions on Climate Change, SDG, and universal health among others and will meet India's various regional/multilateral partners. pic.twitter.com/JKxkxtiUNC
Farewell Texas!
- Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2019
After an unprecedented and historic visit to Houston, PM @narendramodi departs for New York City to address the #UNGA74 and participate in other multilateral and bilateral engagements. pic.twitter.com/XHZMsiY86E
The camrederie between India and the US was on flamboyant display as Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President Donald Trump at the mega show in Houston today and deftly endorsed him for the next year's US Presidential election before the 50,000 Indians in attendance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today showcased India's "Unity in Diversity" at a huge forum in the US -- the mega public meeting in Houston attended not only by 50,000 Indian Americans but a battery of US lawmakers and President Donald Trump.
US 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.
"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.
"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.
#WATCH PM Narendra Modi: We in India have connected well with President Trump, the words of candidate Trump, 'Ab ki baar Trump sarkar', rang loud and clear. pic.twitter.com/9WPq9w7eKf
- ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019
"PM Modi and I have come to Houston to celebrate everything that defines India America relationship," he said.
"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.
WATCH | US President Trump with PM Modi at 'Howdy Modi' event. Both the leaders will address the gathering shortly.
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
LIVE now: https://t.co/hMlRpgrUU6 and NDTV 24x7#HowdyModi #Houston #PresidentTrump #ModiInUSA #PMModi pic.twitter.com/INEYNiPnm7
Soulful fusion rendition of 'Vaishnav Jan...' by Indian and American Gospel singers in honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
Watch: https://t.co/qZ04mlKryP#HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/VogW8EFCh7
WATCH | US President Trump arrives at NRG Football Stadium for 'Howdy Modi' event.#HowdyModi #Houston #PresidentTrump #ModiInUSA #PMModi pic.twitter.com/O9BzKDzPnP
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the Indian Americans today at a programme in Houston, Texas, billed as the largest-ever turnout for a foreign elected leader on US soil. The Prime Minister will share stage with US President Donald Trump -- a gesture the White House has described as a way to emphasise the "strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met a 17-member Kashmiri Pandit delegation from theGlobal Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD)in Houston today and assured them his government was committed to "building a new Kashmir for everyone"
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.
Thank you Houston for such amazing affection! #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/xlbWsMVkae
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 22, 2019
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."
#howdymodi "Go Modi" - "Go Trump" - Houston, US. Proud of our being. Proud of the community. Proud of India.
- Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 22, 2019
#HowdyModi | "An honour to welcome PM Modi to USA": Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
Live updates here: https://t.co/t7HRnFWKPm pic.twitter.com/aG81LWjGzI
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives on stage at NRG stadium in Houston, he will address the gathering shortly. #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/qhsbQr6Dtx
- ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019
The Mayor of Houston @SylvesterTurner presents the Key to the City to @narendramodi as the mark of respect, solidarity and long standing India-Houston relationship. #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/auLXorlxF6
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
The Prime Minister @narendramodi arrives at NRG Stadium. #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/y18SMONKQT
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the Indian Americans today at a programme in Houston, Texas, billed as the largest-ever turnout for a foreign elected leader on US soil. The Prime Minister will share stage with US President Donald Trump -- a gesture the White House has described as a way to emphasise the "strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies".
#HowdyModi | Chants of "Modi, Modi" reverberate across Houston's #NRGStadium as the crowd waits for PM Modi.
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
For live updates, follow https://t.co/t7HRnFWKPm pic.twitter.com/Z8TNm2aeZ5
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.
"India is the 4th largest trading partner in Houston. Welcome to Houston Mr Prime Minister": Sylvester Turner, Houston Mayor #ModiInHouston #ModiInUSA #NRGStadium #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/z3OnKepnCG
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
Amazing Yoga performance at #HowdyModi! pic.twitter.com/IXijbLLsM6
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
#HowdyModi mega event kicks off with cultural performances.
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
Live updates here: https://t.co/t7HRnFWKPm pic.twitter.com/1GHMLMqMQm
Mesmerizing fusion of Sur, Taal & Strings when East meets West!#HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/rKBbBlXlfb
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he was looking forward to meeting US President Donald Trump at the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston, organised by the Indian community. PM Modi was responding to a tweet by Mr Trump in which he said, "Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas!"
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.
#WATCH Dancers perform at #HowdyModi event in Houston. PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump to arrive shortly. pic.twitter.com/rlwP4WxueV
- ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019
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.
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.
"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.
Senator @JohnCornyn is at @nrgpark! #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/PpVbqWNtw7
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
The "Howdy, Modi!" event has been billed by the organisers as the largest-ever turnout for a foreign elected leader on US soil.https://t.co/5WzpxXfakQ
- NDTV (@ndtv) September 22, 2019
We are just a few minutes away from the start of #HowdyModi. Keep tweeting and posting using the hashtag #HowdyModi and tag @howdymodi!
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/xt1QcyA6x5 pic.twitter.com/rGNg5kVuXA
Terming the development "historic" and "unprecedented", Indian Ambassador to US, Harshvardhan Shringla, had said that it represents "personal chemistry and friendship" between the two leaders.
"The two leaders addressing the ''Howdy, Modi!'' event is historic and unprecedented. It reflects not only the closeness and comfort levels in the relationship but also the personal chemistry and friendship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump," Mr Shringla told ANI.
PM Modi's chemistry with both Trump and former President Barack Obama reflect that the Indian Prime Minister has been able to transcend the political divide in the US.
Moreover, the fact that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat, will also address the gathering, further reflects the strong bipartisan support for the relationship between the two countries.
Trump will address the Indian diaspora at the "Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" event at 9:30 pm (IST), according to the White House, according to ANI.
The event is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, which has served as a venue for some of the most impressive events starring Beyonce, Metallica, to name a few.
The summit, with the theme of "Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" will highlight the contributions of Indian-Americans in enriching the American life for the last seven decades as well as the key role they have played in strengthening relations between the two nations.
"His presence is an indication of his support and endorsement of the strengthening of India's relations with America. This event is about strengthening those ties."
The event gives PM Narendra Modi a chance to energize his relationship with Indian-Americans who are active political supporters.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, will face a largely foreign-born audience that may not prove receptive to his typical strident anti-immigrant messages. Houston is a rare Democratic stronghold in Republican-dominated Texas and serves as the economic anchor of a state that will be critical to Trump's 2020 re-election bid, reported Reuters.
The Indian-American community has turned out in full force for #HowdyModi! Community members have travelled from across the country to be a part of this historic event #SharedDreamsBrightFutures pic.twitter.com/6u5k6TNNLU
- Texas India Forum (@howdymodi) September 22, 2019
#WATCH Drums being played at NRG stadium in Houston, Texas. PM Modi to speak at the venue later today. #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/TwnmXHq2Av
- ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019
"We came from Canada just to witness the Howdy Modi program, my whole family is here just for Howdy Modi," an audience member said.
The summit, with the theme of "Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" will highlight the contributions of Indian-Americans in enriching the American life for the last seven decades as well as the key role they have played in strengthening relations between the two nations.
Howdy, Modi Event in Houston, Texas: PM Narendra Modi is set to address "Howdy, Modi!", a mega-event which will be attended by more than 50,000 people. "Howdy, Modi!" is an Indian-American community event which will be held in Houston, Texas.
The mega event will witness leaders of the two largest democracies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, sharing a stage before the largest gathering ever -- over 50,000 Indian-Americans -- for an elected foreign leader visiting the US.
''We are excited to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we expect to hear from him, and get words of wisdom from him because he is an inspiration for the country and people around the globe,'' Mitt, a Dallas resident who had drove all the way just for the ''Howdy Modi'' event with his wife told ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share stage with US President Donald Trump today for 'Howdy, Modi!' - an event to be attended by 50,000 people in Texas. The organisers -- the Texas India Forum -- have billed it as the largest-ever turnout for a foreign elected leader on US soil. "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," tweeted PM Modi, who landed in the US for a week-long visit on Saturday. The Prime Minister, who will hold several bilateral meetings and address the United Nations General Assembly, held a round-table of US-based energy companies last evening. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who will also speak at the UN, is likely to flag Kashmir again.