Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump at Howdy Modi event in Houston today, Live Updates: In a veiled attack at Pakistan’s efforts to rake the Kashmir issue at international forums, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370 “has troubled some people who cannot handle their country and who support terrorism“.
While addressing a massive gathering of nearly 50,000 Indian-Americans at the mega ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in Houston, which was also attended by US President Donald Trump, Modi said the “conspirators of 9/11 and 26/11 belonged to the same country”.
“India’s decision on Article 370 has troubled some people, who can’t handle their country, who support terrorism. It is a breeding ground for terrorism. Be it 9/11 attack in USA or 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, the perpetrators of the acts have been found in that one country,” the Prime Minister told the crowd.
Also read | āAbki baar Trump sarkarā: PM Modi backs US President for second term at White House
Modi also said that while India lauded and bid farewell to the 70-year-old law (Article 370), the development was being used by separatists and terrorists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Gujarati Samaj of Houston Event Centre and Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Houston, Texas earlier today.
PM Modi in Houston: Wherever we go, we should stay connected with our mother tongue, it has its own strength. You are making a centre for Gujarati community, I request you to never grow distant from your mother tongue, this effort should be continuous for the upcoming generations.
At the Howdy, Modi! event in Houston, US President Donald Trump shared the stage with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi also addressed the Indian-American community, lauding the government's move to repeal Jammu and Kashmir's special status, among other things. Click here for top quotes
US President Donald Trump shared a short clip of PM Modi's welcome to Houston, Texas for the Howdy, Modi! event, captioning it "The USA loves India".
PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump take a lap around the NRG stadium in Houston.
"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Taking New Delhi’s ties with the US to new heights, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday endorsed US President Donald Trump for a second term, saying ‘Abki Baar Trump Sarkar‘ in front of nearly 50,000 Indian-Americans at the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in Houston. Read more here.
PM at 'Howdy,Modi' event: "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"
Talking about Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "It 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".
Taking a veiled dig at Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this has 'upset those who cannot control their own country,' adding that everyone here knows 'who they are'.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the many languages in India are identity its 'liberal and democratic' society. "Diversity is basis of our democracy," he said.
"Today, India wants to grow at a faster speed than ever before. It is challenging the people who think nothing is going to change, ever. In the last 5 years, 130 crore Indians have brought unprecedented results in different sectors," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
"The 2019 Lok Sabha elections waved the flag of Indian democracy throughout the world. More than 61 crore people participated in it. This is approximately double the total population of the US," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
"This event is named Howdy Modi, but Modi is nothing alone. I'm an ordinary man working on the orders of 130 crore Indians," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Howdy, Modi' event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the 'energy' at the NRG stadium is a proof of 'India-US synergy'.
'Border security is vital to both US and India," Donald Trump said at the event. "We stand proudly protecting innocent Indian-Americans from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism," the US President said.
"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," US President Donald Trump said at the event.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Howdy, Modi' event, US President Donald Trump said that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership the world is witnessing a strong, thriving and sovereign India. "Our relationship today is stronger than ever before and we are grounded in commitment to democracy," he added.
US President Donald Trump describes PM Modi as America's greatest, most loyal friend; says he is doing exceptional job for India.
PM Modi at NRG stadium: "Hundreds are glued to their TV screen in India even though it is late. You had introduced me to your family in 2017 and today, I have the honour to introduce you to my family".
Endorsing Trump for the upcoming US elections , Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Abki baar Trump sarkar". "I admire President Trump for his sense of leadership, passion for America and concern for every Americans" he said at the event.
PM Modi welcomes Trump saying he is a 'very special person'. "It is my honour and privilege to welcome Trump at this magnificent gathering," Modi said. "Everytime I meet Trump, I see his friendliness and warmth," he adds.
Howdy, Modi event: US President Donald Trump meets PM Modi.
US President Donald Trump arrives at 'Howdy, Modi event'. He was recieved by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
US President Donald Trump arrives at 'Howdy, Modi event'. He was recieved by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
Welcoming Prime Minister 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 had said.
Crowd cheers as Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his way into Houston's NRG stadium. (Express video by Shubhajit Roy)
"Electric atmosphere at the NRG arena in Houston as 50,000 strong Indian Americans wait for the historic occasion when PM Modi comes on stage together with US President Donald Trump," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
"Thank you Houston for such amazing affection," PMO India tweeted a video showing PM's entrance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives on stage at NRG stadium in Houston, he will address the gathering shortly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the NRG stadium in Houston, Texas.
"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 was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
United States Congressional delegation arrives on stage at the 'Howdy,Modi' event in Houston.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at NRG stadium in Houston. He will address the gathering shortly.
"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 was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
"It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon address the Indian-American community at the “Howdy, Modi!” event in Houston, Texas. Watch the LIVE video below.
Bhangra artistes perform at 'Howdy,Modi' event in Houston, Texas. PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump to arrive shortly.
The cultural programme preceding Prime Minister 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. There are 27 groups performing in a live and multimedia experience that will showcase the diversity in the Indian-American community. (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mega show in Houston begins.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a good time at the 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston, news agency PTI reported.
"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 Modi would address over 50,000 Indian-Americans.
"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.
Visuals from inside NRG stadium in Houston.
Donald Trump emplanes for PM Modi's event in Houston.
Ahead of PM Modi's address, drums are being played at NRG stadium in Houston, Texas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Indian diaspora at a mega event named ‘Howdy, Modi!’ at Houston in Texas in a few hours.
US President Donald Trump, who will be also present at the event, will be the first American president to address thousands of Indian-Americans at one place in the US. The event can be live-streamed on ‘Howdy, Modi!’ youtube channel. Click here to watch.
This is the third time that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the Indian diaspora in the US after the event at Madison Square Garden in 2014 and San Jose in 2015, but this time, the scale is larger than the past two events. Read more here.
Gitesh Desai, who was awarded at the Pravasi Bharatiya Diyas this year for his role during Hurricane Harvey two years ago, told the Sunday Express that the city of Houston was chosen since it is the hub for energy, space and medicine in the world.
“Houston is uniquely positioned since India is aspiring to be a space power. Houston has NASA space centre,” he told The Sunday Express.
People start gathering outside NRG stadium in Houston, Texas, to attend #HowdyModi event, say, ''We are excited to see Modi, expect to hear from him, & get words of wisdom from him because he is an inspiration for the country and people around the globe.''
Preeti Dawra, CEO of Asian Century Communications and one of the spokespersons for organisers Texas India Forum, sidestepped the question of who will speak first – Modi or Trump?
“We’ll leave an element of surprise for you,” she told The Sunday Express.
Meanwhile, Vijay Chauthaiwale, BJP overseas cell chief, who is camping in Houston, said that while 50,000 Indians have confirmed entry, another three to four thousand people are on waitlist. “We will be able to accommodate about 51,000 people,” he said.
1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump will hold bilateral talks in Houston. Trade, agriculture, energy security, military trade, and space cooperation likely to be on top agenda.
2)'Howdy, Modi' event (8:30 pm IST to Midnight)- PM Modi will address more than 50,000 Indian-Americans at the 'Howdy Modi' event. The three hours long event is scheduled to be held at the NRG Stadium in Houston. US President Donald Trump will also be present and is likely to deliver a 30-minute long speech.
3) Interactive session with members of the US Congress.
C Raja Mohan writes: Modi must also underline that the main purpose of India’s diaspora engagement in America is about elevating the strategic partnership with the US to a higher level. Read more here
"Great to attend the Energy CEO roundtable with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Excellent discussion on ways to enhance cooperation between #USIndia in the energy sector," US Ambassador to India Ken Juster said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Indian diaspora at a mega event named ‘Howdy, Modi!’ at Houston in Texas on Sunday.
Organised by non-profit Texas India Forum (TIF), a representative body of Indian-American organizations in Texas and other parts of the US, the event derives its name from the phrase ‘How do you do?’, whose short-form ‘Howdy’ is commonly used to greet people in the southwestern United States. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a "special interaction" with a 17-member delegation of Kashmiri Pandits here and assured them of "building a new Kashmir" which would be for everyone.
The delegation, which included Kashmiri Pandits from across the US, met Prime Minister Modi on his arrival in Houston as part as part of his week-long visit to the US.
"Kashmir mein naee hava bah rahee hai (New winds are blowing in Kashmir) and we will all build a new Kashmir together that will be for everyone," he told the delegation.
The Indian government on August 5 revoked the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories.
Modi also thanked the community for their patience for over 30 years. "I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston," Prime Minister Modi later tweeted.
(PTI)
India will soar high if Pakistan stoops low by raking up the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly session, India’s top envoy to the United Nations has asserted, warning that Islamabad which mainstreamed terrorism in the past may mainstream hate speech now.
With an anticipated rant by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Kashmir during the UNGA session on September 27, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said “poison pens” don’t work for too long.
Khan has repeatedly vowed that he will “forcefully” raise the issue before the international community during his address to the UNGA.
US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a major, 30-minute speech on India and Indian Americans at the "Howdy, Modi!" event here in the world's energy capital on Sunday, which US officials asserted would bring fresh energy in the long-lasting relationship between the two democracies.
Contrary to what was reported earlier, Trump is no longer making a guest appearance or making a notional brief remark at the diaspora event.
Trump, who as a Republican presidential candidate in 2016 promised to be India's best friend, is flying to Houston only to attend the "Howdy, Modi!" event.
He is also expected to be present in the audience during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address.
(PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a mega rally to address the Indian diaspora in Houston, Texas, on Sunday. In attendance at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event will be Donald Trump, who will be the first American president to address thousands of Indian-Americans at one place in the US.
‘Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures’, the Indian community event in the US, is scheduled to be held at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on September 22.
The event has been sold out with over 50,000 people registering for the mega community summit. The live audience will be the largest ever for an Indian Prime Minister in North America and also the largest for a foreign leader in the US other than Pope Francis. Read more