Houston: President Donald Trump joined Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally on Sunday called “Howdy, Modi!” in which both leaders held hands and touted their strong friendship to an audience of tens of thousands of people.
Mr Trump, who called the gathering a “profoundly historic event”, was greeted with a standing ovation by the Indian-American crowd and his speech was interrupted several times by roars of approval.
U.S. President Donald Trump has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian-American community in the United States. “We are proud to have you as Americans,” said Trump to the Indian-American community. “My administration is fighting for you each and every day.”
Trump praised the bi-lateral relationship saying, “India has never invested in the U.S. like it is doing today, and I want to say it’s reciprocal because we’re doing the same thing in India.” Trump told Modi that India has never “had a better friend as president as President Donald Trump.”
About 50,000 Indian Americans attended the “Howdy Modi!” rally in Houston, where the crowd chanted “Modi! Modi! Modi!” as he took the stage to introduce Trump as “my friend, a friend of India, a great American president”. Modi even used Trump’s political slogan to say the president had a strong resolve to “make America great again.”
The event had the feel of one of Trump’s campaign rallies, complete with a packed venue and a roaring crowd, and Trump treated it that way at times. He ticked off his accomplishments in office, highlighted a drop in the unemployment rate among Indian Americans and extolled their contributions to the US as he pitched for their vote in a Republican state Democrats have visions of winning next year.
The event is a huge diplomatic victory for Modi, who has emerged as an even taller international statesman after displaying such close rapport with with Trump
In his address, Modi hit out at Pakistan for its support to terrorism and said India’s decision to nullify Article 370 has caused trouble to those who cannot handle their country as he called for a “decisive battle” against terrorism. Making a strong pitch against terrorism in the presence of President Trump, who joined the mega event in a rare gesture of friendship, Modi asked thecrowd to give Trump a standing ovation, as he targeted Pakistan and its Prime Minister Imran Khan, without directly naming them.
“Article 370 encouraged terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, asserting that its nullification will allow development and prosperity in the region and end discrimination against women, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Modi said that the people who cannot even manage their own country are harbouring terrorism and supporting terrorism. “The entire world knows about this,” he added. “Where do you find conspirators of 9/11 and 26/11 terror attacks,” Modi said, referring to terror attacks in the US and Mumbai.
“Time has come for a decisive fight against those who promote and support terrorism,” he added.
Modi also underscored his government’s push for development in India, saying it is the most “discussed” word in the country as his government is “aiming high and achieving higher”. Modi described in detail his efforts towards clean India campaign and sanitation. He also spoke about his fight against corruption.
“Energy of NRG (stadium) is a witness of synergy between India and the US…My answer to ‘Howdy, Modi’ is only this: Everything is Fine in India,” he said and repeated this in eight different Indian languages. Emphasising that diversity is the foundation of India’s democracy, Modi said the country’s various languages are an important identity of its liberal and democratic society.
Modi invited Trump to India with family.
Addressing the gathering, Trump vowed to protect innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism and said border security is vital to both America and India as he emphasised on bolstering further the Indo-US security relationship.
“India and the US also understand that to keep our community safe, we must protect our borders. Border security is vital to the US. Border Security is vital to the US. Border Security is vital to India. And we understand that,” he said as Modi clapped.
He emphasised on working closely with India to enhance space co-operation. He praised the contributions of the Indian-Americans, saying they have enriched “our culture and uplifted our values. We are proud to have them as Americans.”
The “Howdy Modi” event is the largest gathering ever for an elected foreign leader visiting the US. The event is seen as a reflection of deep and special relationship between India and the US.
From Houston, Modi will fly to New York, where a packed schedule awaits him. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to meet President Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.