'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston Updates: Friendship will take vibrant future to new heights, says Narendra Modi

Time has come to end terrorism, says Narendra Modi

“India’s actions within its boundaries causing discomfort to some people who are unable to manage their own country. These people have kept their hatred of India at center of their political agenda. They want to spread unrest and they support and nurture terrorism,” the prime minister said. 

“The whole world knows who they are. We all know where the perpetrators of 9/11 terror attacks in America and 26/11 terror attacks in India were found,” he said, without naming Pakistan.

The time has come to end terrorism, he added.

‘India bid farewell to Article 370’

“India bid farewell to 70-year-old Article 370 which deprived the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from the benefits of development,” says Narendra Modi. “It was being used by separatists and terrorists.”

‘Ease of living as important as ease of doing business’

“Ease of doing business is important to us, however ease of living is equally important. Need to empower people for this. Only then can the social and economic development of a country take place at fast pace,” says PM.

Data is the new gold, says PM

“Industry 4.0 is focused on data,” says PM. “India offers data at lowest rate in the world. The global average price of 1GB data is 25 to 30 times that in India. Affordable data is backbone of good governance.”

Challenging mindsets, says PM

“Today, India is challenging the mindset of some people who believe nothing can change. Now we are aiming high and we are achieving higher,” says Modi.

Modi talks about 2019 polls

“It is for the first time in 60 years that a majority government returned to power with a higher vote share,” says Modi. “Recent elections showcased Indian democracy’s greatness across world”, says PM. “Six hundred million people, twice that of the US population voted,” he adds.

I am an ordinary man, says PM

“This event is called ‘Howdy, Modi’ but I am only an ordinary man working on the direction of 1.3 billion Indians”, says Narendra Modi. 

“If you ask me Howdy Modi, I say everything is fine in India,” says the prime minister.  “Diversity is unity. This diversity is the core of India’s vibrant democracy”, says 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,” says PM.

Seeing a new history and new chemistry, says Modi

“When it comes to Texas, everything has to be huge, larger than life,” says Modi. “Today the spirit of Texas is reflected here. The large crowd over here is not only an arithmetic entity but is a creator of a new history and chemistry.”  

“This NRG’s energy is a proof of increasing synergy between India and US,” he adds.

Trump says border security vital

“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.

“Border security is vital to both US and India”, Trump adds. “Committed to protecting innocent civilians from threat of radical Islamist terror,” says Trump.

“Very soon several defence deals would be signed between India and US to bolster our security relationship. “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 lauds Modi’s pro-growth policies

“India has lifted nearly 300 million people out of poverty,” Trump says, lauding Modi for his welfare schemes in the short span of time in office.  “Our people are progressing like never before,” Trump says.  

Trump says relations between India and America are stronger than ever. Trump adds that India has never had a better friend in the White House

Modi doing exceptional job for India, says Trump

“Hello, Houston, thrilled to be here in the great state of Texas with a great friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India”, says Donald Trump. “He is doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people. It is my privilege to be here at this profoundly historic event,” he adds.

Trump also wished him for his success in the Lok Sabha elections in which “600 million indian voted overwhelmingly for prime minister and his party.” “I join everyone here wishing you happy birthday,” he says.

PM praises US president

“Sharing the stage with a very special person”, says Narendra Modi. “He has left a deep and lasting impact everywhere.This is extraordinary, this is unprecedented. We have met a few times and every time, he has been the same, warm, friendly, accessible, energetic and full of wit”, he adds.

“I admire him for something more: A sense of leadership, passion for America, a concern for every American, a belief in American future and a strong resolve to make America great again,” Modi adds.

“He has already made the American economy strong again. He has achieved much for the United States and for the world. Friends, we in India, have connected well with president Trump. The words of candidate Trump ‘aab ki baar Trump sarkaar.’ The celebrations of Diwali lit up millions of lives”, Modi finishes.

Trump, Modi share stage to huge applause

Loud ovation from a packed stadium as Narendra Modi and Donald Trump walk to the stage at the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in Houston.

Donald Trump arrives

US president Donald Trump has arrived at the Howdy Modi event at NRG stadium in Houston. He was received by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Trump was scheduled to arrive at 9:20 pm (IST). However, he  made a surprise to the coast guard to get briefing about the flood situation in Houston, which claimed five lives.

Trump administration on cusp of announcing India deal: NYT

The Trump administration is on the cusp of announcing a new trade deal with India, potentially within the next week as President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. It should be a proud moment for Trump, who is eager to announce new markets for US farmers and manufacturers who have been badly hit by his trade war with China. But unlike traditional trade pacts, which cover nearly all sectors of the economy, the India deal appears likely to be confined to only a few sectors and products.

Man dressed like Mahatma Gandhi welcomes Narendra Modi

Ramesh Modi, a man dressed up like Mahatma Gandhi at #HowdyModi event says,''Modi aur Gandhi ek hi hain, these are saints, fakirs. Gandhi was a fakir, same nature exactly. Welcome Modi to the town here.'' pic.twitter.com/hxNLH6O8TB

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

‘Texas-sized crowd’ says Raveesh Kumar

That’s a Texas-sized crowd!

Electric atmosphere at the NRG arena in Houston as 50,000 strong Indian Americans wait for the historic occasion when PM @narendramodi comes on stage together with US President @realDonaldTrump at #HowdyModi. pic.twitter.com/upJj4pHphr

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2019

House leader Steny Hoyer quotes Gandhiji

US Democrat Steny Hoyer addressing the Howdy Modi event welcomed the prime minister and said both Indians and Americans have the same purpose, growing the partnership between India and the US as he quoted Mahatma Gandhi and former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Saying that human rights are essential, he said there should not be any malice towards anyone and the work would not get over till there are tears in even a single person’s eyes.

“Democracy is something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong," he said, quoting Gandhiji.

Narendra Modi thanks Houston

Thank you Houston for such amazing affection! #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/xlbWsMVkae

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 22, 2019

India and US trade keeps getting stronger each day, says Texas Senator John Cornyn

Everything is bigger in Texas and this is a Texas-sized welcome for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Texas is 2nd largest trading partner with India after California, but  we are catching up, says Coryn.

Texas keeps fuelling India and the relationship keeps getting stronger day by day by day, he said. 

“India and US trade keeps getting stronger each day. Indian culture is woven in the fabric of our state and we are proud to celebrate this cultural relation with PM Modi,” he said.

Senator Ted Cruz welcomes Narendra Modi

US Senator Ted Cruz addresses the massive gathering at the NRG stadium in Houston and welcomes Narendra Modi. He hopes for stronger ties between USA, particularly Houston, and India.

Narendra Modi arrives at NRG stadium in Houston

#UPDATE PM Narendra Modi arrives at NRG stadium in Houston. He will address the gathering shortly #HowdyModi https://t.co/0TTqrzAFBm

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Look forward to being with our great India loving community, tweets Donald Trump

Look forward to being with our great India loving community! https://t.co/RldaoFw0Uc

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 22, 2019

Won’t be surprised by announcement today: Texas Senator

 “I won’t be surprised if there is some announcement by President Donald Trump today, hopefully we will be able to sort out the trade differences,” ANI reported Texas Senator John Cornyn as saying.

#WATCH US Senator for Texas, John Cornyn: I don't know specifically about what sort of discussions the President & PM are going to have. I won't be surprised if there is some announcement by President Trump today, hopefully we'll be able to sort out trade differences. #HowdyModi pic.twitter.com/a9aEOidzgP

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Rishi Kapoor lauds PM

#howdymodi “Go Modi” - “Go Trump” - Houston, US. 🇮🇳🇺🇸 Proud of our being. Proud of the community. Proud of India.

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 22, 2019

It surely will be a great day, Narendra Modi replies to Donald Trump

It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/BSum4VyeFI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

What does ‘Howdy’ mean?

Howdy means ‘how do you do?’. It is used, often informally and in a humorous manner, as a form of greeting in southern states in America.

Bhangra artists perform

#WATCH Bhangra artistes perform at #HowdyModi event in Houston, Texas. PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump to arrive shortly. pic.twitter.com/6s8Tq7r4fs

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

27 cultural groups to perform before Narendra Modi’s address

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. There are 27 groups performing in a live and multimedia experience that will showcase the diversity in the Indian-American community.

Cultural programme on, Texas Mayor’s speech to follow

Will be in Houston with my friend, tweets Donald Trump

Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas! https://t.co/SqdOZfqd2b

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 22, 2019

Fun Facts about the NRG Stadium in Houston: First NFL facility with retractable roof

NRG Stadium is a total of 1.9 million square feet — the synthetic turf field itself is 97,205 square feet or 2.23 acres.

The stadium was the first facility in the NFL to have a retractable roof. The size of the retractable roof opening is 500′ x 385′ and it takes 7 minutes to open.

There are a total of 197 suites inside the stadium. Seating capacity at NRG Stadium is 72,220 for sporting events and 80,000 for concerts.

Watch: Dancers perform at ‘Howdy,Modi’ event in Houston

#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

Watch: Drums being played outside NRG Stadium, Houston

#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

Schedule of ‘Howdy,Modi’ event, as per News18

– 9:20 pm: President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will walk to the stage
– 9:20-9:30 pm: Houston Mayor will welcome Modi and Trump
– 9.39 -10:09 pm: Trump to speak
– 10:15 pm onwards: Modi to begin speaking

Donald Trump heads to Houston

Joint Base Andrews (Maryland): President of the United States, Donald Trump emplanes for Houston. He will attend #HowdyModi event, later today. (Pic credit: Steve Herman, The Voice of America) pic.twitter.com/ZKUxiIuMYb

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Donald Trump seeks to polish image, banks on Indian-Americans

With Donald Trump’s popularity hovering in the high 30s and the low 40s in most polls, and with House Democrats stepping up their impeachment inquiry, the US president is keen to seize any opportunity to polish his profile, writes Deven Kanal.

“That Trump is according Narendra Modi importance makes sense given his Indian counterpart’s undiminished popularity both at home and with expats,” says the report.

When and where to watch ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event

The Howdy Modi event — with the tagline “Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" — will begin at 10 am local time and 8.30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) and is scheduled to end at 1 pm (local time) or 11.30 pm (IST).

The event will be live-streamed on Modi’s official YouTube channel. Viewers can also follow the event on Modi’s Twitter account and the PMO India Twitter handle. Public broadcaster Doordarshan News will also telecast the event on its Hindi and English channels. Viewers can also follow the Press Information Bureau’s website and social media handles.

Trade talks between Narendra Modi, Donald Trump will favour US, weaken rupee, says Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the outcome of the trade talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump will be skewed to benefit the US and will weaken the rupee against the dollar, reports ANI.

Alleging that the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event was being over-hyped, Yadav claimed that the prospective trade deal would affect Indian exports to the US and weaken the rupee. 

“It has been heard that the deal is going to include a proposal which will translate to imports of food items, electronics, etc. from the US. Our exports to the US will thus suffer and rupee will be further weakened against the dollar,” he added.
 

Yadav further said that the US is wooing India because of its ongoing trade war with China.

Narendra Modi’s personal touch to diplomacy translates into political capital for India

The fulcrum of this unprecedented event where Narendra Modi and top US leadership will be in joint attendance at the NRG Stadium in Houston — dispelling Pakistan’s threats and efforts — lies in the personal popularity that Modi has been able to amass in the years that he has been in the Prime Minister’s Office, writes Sreemoy Talukdar.

Read full report here

Excited to see Narendra Modi, say Indian-Americans outside NRG Stadium in Houston

USA: 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.'' pic.twitter.com/GH7zFOcLRG

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Meeting with energy CEOs most important part of Narendra Modi’s US visit

Even as all eyes are on the ‘Howdy, Modi’ show in Houston, Texas, on Sunday the first meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actually the most important of the visit, both in terms of the Indian economy and in adding some solid bolstering to the India-US relationship, writes Tara Kartha.

“In today’s diplomacy, as Foreign Minister S Jaishankar notes, relations are determined by interests, not historical reminiscences,” says the report.

Read full report here

Imran Khan reaches US, likely to raise Kashmir at UNGA

Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan reached the US on Saturday on a “special aircraft” of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached the US. The seven-day visit is aimed at drawing the attention of the world towards what is happening in Kashmir,” ANI quoted Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi as saying.

Before arriving in the US, Khan was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue. 
 

The cricketer-turned-politician is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September, where he is expected to raise the Kashmir issue.

Help Sindh attain freedom from Pakistan: Activists urge Narendra Modi 

Members of the Sindhi community have gathered in Houston ahead of the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention towards their cause of gaining freedom from Pakistan. Alleging that the rights of the Sindhi community were being violated by the Pakistan Army, Sindhi activist Zafar requested the prime minister to help the Sindh province attain freedom from Pakistan, reports ANI.

“Sindhi people have come here in Houston with a message. When Modi ji passes through here in the morning, we’ll be standing here with placards carrying the message that we want freedom from Pakistan. We hope Modi ji and President Trump help us,” said Zafar. “We want the Prime Minister to help Sindh attain independence from Pakistan like how Bangladesh was Liberated in 1971,” he added.

Modi picks up flower fallen off a bouquet in Houston, video goes viral

A video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi picking up a flower that fell off a bouquet went viral on Sunday. Netizens showered the prime minister with praises.The bouquet was presented to Modi at the George Bush Intercontinental airport.

On his arrival on Saturday for the ‘Howdy, Modi’ community event, the prime minister was presented with a bouquet of flowers by an American dignitary, receiving him along with US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla and other senior officials. A flower fell off the bouquet and to everyone’s surprise, PM Modi bent down and picked it up himself, winning praise on social media.

PM deserves respect when he is visiting foreign countries: Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who landed in a controversy recently for “praising” Narendra Modi, said the prime minister deserves respect when he visits foreign countries as he represents India on the global platform.

“The prime minister deserves respect in foreign countries as (there) he is a representative of our nation. But when he is in India, we have the right to ask him questions,” Tharoor was quoted as saying during an event organised by the All India Professional Congress in Pune.

Quoting a media report that spoke about protests planned in the US ahead of Modi’s Houston visit, Tharoor had tweeted, “As an Opposition MP i have the right to criticise @narendramodi ’s policies, statements, actions & inaction, & expose his failures. But when he goes abroad, he is @PMOIndia & he carries my flag. I want him to be received & treated w/ the respect due to my country’s prime minister.”

As an Opposition MP i have the right to criticise @narendramodi’s policies, statements, actions & inaction, & expose his failures. But when he goes abroad, he is @PMOIndia & he carries my flag. I want him to be received & treated w/ the respect due to my country’s PrimeMinister. https://t.co/cHPB4acmBd

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 20, 2019

‘Howdy, Modi’ event to ‘build bridges’ between American and Indian dreams: Organisers

Jugal Malani, the chairperson of the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Houston said that it was an opportunity to bridge the gap between Americans and Indians worldover.

He said, “There is unprecedented synergy between our region and the aspirations of a ‘New India’ that Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents. The American dream shares many similarities with emerging Indian dream, and an event of this scale suggests an opportunity to build bridges across two great democracies,” in a statement.

Trump to address the Indian Diaspora at 9.30 pm (IST) on Sunday: White House

US President Donald Trump will address the Indian Diaspora at the “Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures” event at 9:30 pm (IST) in Houston on Sunday, the White House has confirmed.

The roughly three-hour-long event, which is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, 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. The event is a reflection of the deep and special relationship between India and the US, one that has often been described as the ‘defining partnership’ of the 21 century, the White House statement further added.

Petronet to import 5 million tonnes a year of LNG from Tellurian

Petronet LNG Ltd, India’s biggest liquefied natural gas importer, has signed a preliminary deal to buy a stake in Tellurian Inc’s proposed Driftwood project in Louisiana and import 5 million tonnes a year of LNG. The deal is worth about $2.5 billion, sources privy to the development told PTI.

“Tellurian Inc. and Petronet LNG Ltd announced (September 21) that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) wherein Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to five million tonnes per annum (5 mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment, which remains subject to further due diligence and approval of its board of directors,” the US firm said in a statement.

Tellurian and Petronet will endeavour to finalise the transaction agreements by March 31 2020, it said. The firm’s President and CEO Meg Gentle told PTI, “Petronet, India’s largest LNG importer, will be able to deliver clean, low-cost, and reliable natural gas to India from Driftwood.”

After ‘Howdy, Modi’, PM and Trump could sign trade deals, reports Reuters

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that Trump and Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks have told Reuters .

A deal between the world’s most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs. The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources have told Reuters.

“There’s a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA,” a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions told Reuters. Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States, and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US manufacturing jobs.

Petronet may invest $2.5 billion for 20% interest in US gas company, reports IANS

Country’s largest LNG importer Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL) will invest close to $2.5 billion to pick around 20 percent stake in US natural gas company Tellurians Driftwood project in Louisiana, IANS reported. On Saturday, Tellurian, a Houston-based energy major and PLL signed a MOU under which PLL and its affiliates will import for up to 5 million tonne of LNG from America over a 40 year period. 

The agreement also includes PLL making investment in the equity of Driftwood project to secure the LNG. As per a corporate presentation by Tellurian’s, $500 million investment is required to secure 1 million tonne per annum of LNG from Driftwood. Going by this figure, PLL will have to invest close to $2.5 under the deal.

Preparation for ‘Howdy, Modi!’ proceeds even as storm kills two in Houston

The stage is all set for the mega “Howdy Modi” event in which President Donald Trump will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi where they will address over 50,000 Indian-Americans, but the torrential rains triggered by a tropical storm have wreaked havoc in Houston, killing 2 persons.

Tropical Depression Imelda slammed Texas on Thursday, causing devastating flooding, power outages and prompting urgent rescues and warnings across southeastern Texas for people to stay indoors. However, the volunteers of the “Howdy, Modi” event are upbeat and confident that all the attendees at the sprawling NRG stadium in Houston will have an experience they will cherish.

Indian-American groups organise car rally to celebrate India-US relations

A car rally was organised on Friday at the NRG stadium, which is scheduled to be the venue of the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event, where more than 200 cars participated, fluttering flags of both India and the US to signify the friendship between the two countries.

The organisers and volunteers sporting ‘NAMO AGAIN’ shirts, chanted “NaMo Again” and said they are ready to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi “wholeheartedly”.

Ahead of ‘Howdy, Modi!’, US and India natural gas companies sign MoU to increase trade

US natural gas company Tellurian and India’s largest LNG importer Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL) have signed an MoU under which the latter and its affiliates will import up to 5 million tonnes of LNG from America.

The deal signed on Saturday will also include PLL’s equity investment in Tellurian’s Driftwood project after further negotiations on the terms and size of the equity deal. The Driftwood project includes natural gas production, gathering, processing, and transportation facilities.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a meeting with the CEOs of top oil companies based in the US on Saturday. A statement from Tellurian said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Modi’s presence.

Donald Trump to deliver 30-minute ‘major’ speech at ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event

US president Donald Trump is expected to deliver a major, 30-minute speech on India and the Indian diaspora at the “Howdy, Modi!” event in Houston on Sunday, which US officials asserted would bring fresh energy in the long-lasting relationship between the two democracies. Reportedly, Trump, who as a Republican presidential candidate in 2016 promised to be India’s best friend, is flying to Houston especially for the event.

Kashmiri-American group to protest against Article 370, says Modi is in a “bubble” in Delhi

A Kashmiri-American group plans to protest outside of Houston’s NRG Stadium against Modi, saying that India has violated basic human rights and cut off contact with relatives, AFP reports.

John Sifton, the Asia advocacy director of Human Rights Watch, said it was critical to raise concerns to Modi while he is abroad as, unlike previous Indian prime ministers, he has little back-and-forth interaction with the media. “He is really in a kind of bubble in Delhi,” Sifton said. “This is a moment for Modi to burst outside of his bubble and hear some criticism of what’s happening in Kashmir,” he told AFP.

4-million-strong Indian-American community forms pool of voters for Trump

US presidents rarely join other countries’ leaders before diaspora events, and Trump — with a hard line on immigration one of his signature issues — is hardly known for celebrating ethnic diversity. But with US elections due in 14 months, Trump’s presence may help soften his image in Houston, one of the most multiethnic US cities and ground zero in the rival Democratic Party’s recent gains in the state of Texas, a must-win bastion of his Republican Party.

The four-million-strong Indian-American community also forms an enticing pool of voters. With an average household income of $100,000, Indian-Americans are among the most prosperous US groups. They are also among the most solidly Democratic. Despite high-profile Indian-American Republicans such as Nikki Haley, Trump’s first ambassador to the United Nations, more than 80 percent voted in 2016 for Democrat Hillary Clinton — more than almost any other group other than African-Americans.

Modi-Trump to “show” personal chemistry and friendship at ‘Howdy, Modi’: Indian ambassador to US

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi will be seen bonding over ‘Howdy, Modi’ in Houston on Sunday evening (IST) as they visibly symbolise their alliance. 

Both the leaders rose to power on nationalist appeals to their countries’ majority communities and both scoff at traditional media and enjoy making pronouncements by Twitter.

The event “shows the personal chemistry and friendship” between Modi and Trump and “sets a bold precedent which is unconventional and unique,” Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the Indian ambassador to the United States, told AFP.

‘Excellent’, tweets Modi after meeting Sikh, Kashmiri Pandits and Dawoodi Bohra communities

Members of the Sikh community in Houston met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston Saturday and thanked him for some pathbreaking decisions taken by his government, including the Kartarpur Corridor. Modi met with representatives from the Sikh, Dawoodi-Bohra, and the Kashmiri Pandit communities. Sharing photos and videos from his interaction with the Sikh community, Modi tweeted, “I had an excellent interaction with the Sikh Community in Houston. I am delighted to see their passion towards India’s development!” 

The prime minister shared his interaction with the Kashmiri Pandits and the Dawoodi-Bohra communities. 

I had an excellent interaction with the Sikh Community in Houston. I am delighted to see their passion towards India’s development! pic.twitter.com/uvvaDtnvAY

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston. pic.twitter.com/07coxdg0oS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

The Dawoodi Bohra community has distinguished itself across the world. In Houston, I had the opportunity to spend time with them and speak about a wide range of issues. pic.twitter.com/zxHXa9Ka9Z

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

Expectations for India’s energy security and reduction of carbon emissions not mutually exclusive: PM

Vijay Goradia from Vinmar told PTI, that goals and expectations for India’s energy security and reduction of carbon emissions and overall reduction in pollution are not mutually exclusive.

“Prime Minister articulated this very clearly. We came away convinced that the environment is very conducive to grow US-India partnership in energy,” he said.

“We also hope that relations between India and the US continue to blossom on political and economical fronts,” he told PTI.

Sikh should be a separate religion: Community submits memorandum to Modi

A member of the Sikh delegation which met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Memorandum was that we want Sikh religion should be considered a separate religion. We’re with Modi ji.” 

He is a man who we call our “Iron Man” the member said and added, “He’s our tiger. We’re standing with him like Sikhs have always stood for India.”

#WATCH Houston: A member of Sikh delegation which met PM Modi says "Memorandum was that we want Sikh religion should be considered a separate religion.We're with Modi ji. He's our tiger,he's a man who we call Iron Man.We're standing with him like Sikhs have always stood for India pic.twitter.com/VfIEkJofnv

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Modi to reiterate New Delhi’s commitment to reformed multilateralism, which is responsive, effective and inclusive at UNGA

In his departure (from New York) statement, Modi referred to the India-US relations and said working together, the two nations can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world.

Modi also said that at the High Level Segment of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, he would reiterate New Delhi’s commitment to reformed multilateralism, which is responsive, effective and inclusive, and in which India plays her due role.

–PTI

Modi will meet Trump again on Tuesday in New York, fourth meeting between the two

From Houston, Modi will fly to New York where he will address the annual high-level UN General Assembly session in New York on 27 September and will have a packed agenda of bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Modi will meet Trump in New York on Tuesday, the fourth meeting between the two leaders in as many months. The meeting in New York is expected to set the tone of bilateral relationship between the two countries over the next few years.

The two leaders are likely to discuss a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including efforts to address the growing bilateral trade disputes, potential defence and energy deals and peace process in Afghanistan.

Trump joining ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event shows where US admin stands when it comes to Pakistan, says Republican Hindu Coalition

Trump joining Modi on stage in Houston “is a very clear indication of where the Trump Administration stands when it comes to Pakistan”, Shalabh Kumar from the Republican Hindu Coalition told PTI. Stating that Pakistan was planning to hold a protest against Modi in front of the NRG stadium on the Kashmir issue, Kumar claimed that it had been quashed to a great extent.

“This is a big slap on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan,” he said, adding that the US is now fully behind India on Kashmir in the aftermath of the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution.

Modi has come to really build partnership: Oil companies in US

Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman, IHS Markit, on Round table meeting of PM Modi with oil sector CEOs: “It’s very important that PM came here and it’s a huge statement about the India-US partnership in terms of energy…He has come here means we can really build this partnership.”

#WATCH: Daniel Yergin,Vice Chairman,IHS Markit, on Round table meeting of PM Modi with oil sector CEOs,says "It's very important that PM came here&it's a huge statement about the India-US partnership in terms of energy...He has come here means we can really build this partnership pic.twitter.com/ChfNgf9xBZ

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Baloch, Sindhi, Pashto groups gather seek help from Modi, Trump in Houston

Representatives of Sindhi, Baloch, and Pashto groups have gathered in Houston to protest in front of the NRG Football stadium to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for gaining freedom from Pakistan. 

Scores of members of the Balochi American, Sindhi American and Pashto American communities landed in Houston on Saturday from various parts of the US to hold the first-of-its-kind demonstration in America, wherein they will collectively urge the leaders of India and the United States to help them get freedom from Pakistan, PTI reported.

Members of these groups alleged on Saturday that the Pakistani establishment was carrying out gross violation of human rights against their communities.

Modi met members of Dawoodi-Bohra community in Houston

The Dawoodi Bohra community felicitates PM Narendra Modi in Houston. They recall PM Modi’s visit to Indore last year to attend a programme of their community as well as highlight PM Modi’s association with Syedna Sahib.

The Dawoodi Bohra community felicitates PM @narendramodi in Houston. They recall PM Modi’s visit to Indore last year to attend a programme of their community as well as highlight PM Modi’s association with Syedna Sahib. pic.twitter.com/PBOd0k0PTv

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 22, 2019

Sikh community thanks Modi for Kartarpur corridor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the members of the Sikh community, during which they congratulated him on some of the pathbreaking decisions taken by the Government of India.

Avinder Chawla, sitting Commissioner, Arvin, California, says, “We submitted a memorandum & thanked Modi ji for what he has done for Sikh community. We thanked him for Kartarpur corridor. President Trump is coming here tomorrow (at Howdy Modi), shows how important a leader PM Modi is.”

Submitting the memorandum, the Sikh community requested Modi to address the issues of 1984 Sikh genocide, dedicating Delhi airport to Guru Nanak Dev International Airport, Article 25 of Indian Constitution and Anand Marriage Act, Visa and Passport renewal of asylees. 

Here is now the Sikh community in Houston welcomed PM @narendramodi.

The Prime Minister interacted with the members of the community, during which they congratulated PM Modi on some of the pathbreaking decisions taken by the Government of India. pic.twitter.com/P3Y3qU0b1n

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 22, 2019

Submitting the memorandum, the Sikh community requested the PM to address the issues of - 1984 sikh genocide, dedicating Delhi airport to Guru Nanak Dev International Airport, Article 25 of Indian Constitution and Anand Marriage Act, Visa and Passport renewal of asylees. https://t.co/5vmkwTGIGT pic.twitter.com/l5bguZuWvB

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Modi shared our outlook and enthusiasm: President of Emerson Electric

President of Emerson Electric Mike Train said that Modi shared the outlook and enthusiasm of the CEOs. “It was a real pleasure and an honour to be a part of the meeting. He shared the outlook, the enthusiasm. He wants to have a balanced approach, bringing energy in a sustainable way to India.” 

Speaking to ANI, Train further added, “We’re very active in the Indian market. I highlighted the work we’ve done with ‘Invest India’. We’ve a big investment we’ll be finishing next year near Pune – a large manufacturing facility.”

Mike Train, President Emerson Electric Co on PM's round table meeting with oil sector CEOs: We're very active in the Indian market. I highlighted the work we've done with 'Invest India'. We've a big investment we'll be finishing next yr near Pune - a large manufacturing facility. https://t.co/I3xJoItoqv

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Meeting with Modi was very, very productive: CEOs

“We made some suggestions and he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was very receptive to it,” Seifi Ghasemi, CEO of Air Products told reporters after the energy roundtable with the Prime Minister. “We made suggestions about hydrogen technology,” Ghasemi said. “The meeting was very, very productive. Specific suggestions that they (CEOs) made was about India has a lot of coal, especially low quality coal. They said they have technologies that they can convert that coal to synthetic gas, which can be used for making chemicals and reduce India’s dependence on imported oil,” Ghasemi said.

The CEOs of major companies present in the meeting included those from Air Products, Baker Hughes, BP PLC, Cheniere Energy, Dominion Energy, Emerson Electric Company, Exxonmobil, Perot Group and Hillwood, IHS Markit, Lyondellbasell Industries, Mcdermott, Schlumberger, Tellurian Inc., Total S.A., Vinmar International and Westlake Chemicals.

CEOs welcome reform steps, including cutting down corporate tax structure

Noting that there has been considerable improvement in doing business in India, the CEOs, during their interaction with Modi welcomed the recent steps taken by the Indian government to reform and liberalise the economy, including cutting down the corporate tax structure.

The CEOs talked about enhancing their footprint in India and lauded the Indian government for steps taken towards deregulation in the sector, the MEA spokesperson said. He said that the CEOs were thankful to the Government for the support and facilitation.

Modi holds meeting with energy sector CEOs in US, discusses methods to harness opportunities

The CEOs of 17 global energy companies took part in the roundtable. They have a combined net worth of $1 trillion with a presence in 150 countries, Raveesh Kumar, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

He said that all the companies present in the meeting have some kind of engagement in India. The prime minister also witnessed the signing of MoU between US natural gas company Tellurian Inc. and Petronet LNG Limited (PLL) of India after the meeting.

As per the MoU, PLL will invest $2.5 billion in Tellurian’s proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal, in exchange for the rights to 5 million metric tons of LNG per year over 40 years. The two companies will endeavour to finalise the transaction agreements by 31 March, 2020.

Getting straight to business.

PM @narendramodi just concluded a fruitful interaction with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting in #Houston. Discussion focused on working together for energy security and expanding mutual investment opportunities between India & US. pic.twitter.com/UHnEFd9Oll

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2019

Impossible to come to Houston, and not talk energy, tweets Modi

Modi had a “wonderful interaction” with the CEOs from the US oil and gas sectors and discussed how to harness opportunities in the area to address India’s growing energy needs.

The roundtable on Saturday focussed on working together for energy security and expanding mutual investment opportunities between India and the United States.

“It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector,” Modi, who arrived here on a week-long visit to the US, said in a tweet after the meeting.

It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy!

Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector.

Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

Aloha and Namaste,

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to India Prime Minister Modi on his latest visit to the United States. Glad to see so many Indian Americans from all across our country, as well as many of my colleagues in Congress coming together there #tulsi2020 #modi pic.twitter.com/AFMAAJRhvx

— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) September 21, 2019

Modi arrived in Houston on Saturday night

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Houston 12 hours ago late on Saturday and was given a very warm welcome by Director of Trade and International Affairs Christopher Olson, US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, Indian envoy to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and other officials on his arrival.

Members of the Indian diaspora waved Indian flags to greet Modi on his arrival. Tulsi Gabbard, a House Representative member from Hawaii, tweeted her welcome.

‘PM told us you’ve suffered a lot together we’ve to build new Kashmir’

A delegation of the Kashmiri Pandit community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, and “unequivocally supported” the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and it being made part of the rest of the country.

“In Houston, a delegation of the Kashmiri Pandit community met the Prime Minister. They unequivocally supported the steps being taken for the progress of India and empowerment of every Indian,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) tweeted.

Surinder Kaul: We thanked him on behalf of the 700,000 Kashmiri Pandits all over the globe for such a historic decision. We assured him that our community will work with the govt to fulfill your dream for a Kashmir which is peaceful, full of growth where people are all happy. https://t.co/soDTYdJaKH

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2019

Modi meets delegation of Kashmiri Pandits

Surinder Kaul, representing the Kashmiri Pandit community in Houston told ANI, “PM told us you’ve suffered a lot. Together we have to build a new Kashmir. Our youth presented him the messages that the community had prepared for him. I presented a memorandum on behalf of the community. He gladly accepted it.”

“We thanked him on behalf of the 700,000 Kashmiri Pandits all over the globe for such a historic decision. We assured him that our community will work with the government to fulfill the dream for a Kashmir which is peaceful, full of growth and where people are happy,” Kaul further added.