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

'CEOs encouraged by corporate tax cut'

"CEOs of comapines I met yesterday were very encouraged by decision to reduce corporate tax," said Narendra Modi.

"They gave the feedback that the move will send to very positive message to not just Indian but foreign companies too. It will make India globally competitive," he added.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

'Texas-sized crowd' says Raveesh Kumar

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.

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

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.

Will be in Houston with my friend, tweets Donald Trump

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.

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

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.

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.”

'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."

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. 

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.

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 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."

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 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."

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.

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.