Trump likely to deliver 30-minute speech at Howdy Modi event

US president Donald Trump is likely to address the Indian American audience present at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event and might deliver a “crucial” 30-minute speech at Houston on Sunday (September 22).

Earlier, it was reported that Trump would just be making a guest appearance or provide a brief comment at the event. However, according to a schedule released by the White House on Saturday (September 21), Trump will now be spending 100 minutes at the NRG Stadium where the event is taking place, out of which at least 30 minutes might be spent on the speech.

He is also expected to be present for Modi’s address.

“By coming to Houston and attending the “Howdy, Modi!” event, he (Trump) has won the hearts of Indian-Americans. He will earn more votes from Indian Americans in the 2020 presidential elections,” Bharat Barai, an Indian-American community leader from Indiana told PTI in an interview.

Also read: Modi meets CEOs of top US oil firms, witnesses signing of key MoU

Barai is a close friend of Modi. “Leaders of the two largest democracies in the world addressing more than 50,000 people from one platform is historic. This will further cement India-US relationship,” Barai said.

PM Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday (September 21) evening is expected to address a congregation of more than 50,000 Indian-Americans who have signed up for the event, touted the largest gathering of the community in the US so far.

After his arrival, Modi said on Twitter that he was looking forward to a wide range of programmes in “this dynamic and energetic” city.

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. pic.twitter.com/JxzWtuaK5x

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2019

Modi began his tour by meeting with the CEOs of top energy sector companies in Houston. “It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy!” PM Modi tweeted.

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

During his meeting with a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits, he promised to address their woes and build a “new Kashmir” for them. “I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston,” Modi tweeted.

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

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

Members of the Sikh community too praised him heartily for the initiative taken by the two countries, India and Pakistan, for the Kartarpur corridor.

Also read: Ahead of Howdy Modi, PM chats, chants ‘shlokas’ with Indian diaspora

It is being speculated that Modi through his address will draw attention towards the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, since Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has said that he will bring up the Kashmir issue while addressing the UNGA session after Modi’s speech.

NDTV reported that the US is trying to get India to remove high pricing barriers on imported medical devices from the US. In return, it is said that India wants to retain its preferential trade status for a few more years.

(With inputs from agencies)