Trump to address 50,000 Indian Americans at 'Howdy Modi' event
US President Donald Trump is set to share stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the mega diaspora event ‘Howdy Modi’ in Houston on September 22, the White House said on Sunday (September 15).
US President Donald Trump is set to share stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the mega diaspora event ‘Howdy Modi’ in Houston on September 22, the White House said on Sunday (September 15).
Earlier, The Federal reported quoting sources and news articles that the US President could join the Prime Minister at the mega event, which will also witness the participation of over 60 US lawmakers, including Tulsi Gabbard and Raja Krishnamoorthi.
At a time when several US lawmakers had expressed concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of its special status, Trump’s presence at the event will give out a strong message of support to the country. The two leaders last met at the G7 Summit in France on August 26.
Responding to the US President’s gesture, PM Modi said that it highlights the strength of the relationship and recognition of the contribution of the Indian community to American society and economy.
ALSO READ | 40,000 people register for Howdy, Modi community summit in Houston
A special gesture by @POTUS, signifying the special friendship between India and USA!
Delighted that President @realDonaldTrump will join the community programme in Houston on the 22nd.
Looking forward to joining the Indian origin community in welcoming him at the programme.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2019
The special gesture of President @realDonaldTrump to join us in Houston highlights the strength of the relationship and recognition of the contribution of the Indian community to American society and economy. #HowdyModi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2019
Also this would be the first time in recent history that the top leaders of two largest democracies would be addressing a joint rally anywhere in the world, reported news agency PTI. Besides, this would be the first time an American president would be addressing thousands of Indian Americans at one place.
The report further said that over 50,000 Indian Americans from across the US have registered for the ‘Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures’ event, organised at the sprawling NRG stadium in Houston. ‘Howdy’ is an Americanised short form for ‘how do you do?’. It is a friendly greeting commonly used in the US.
ALSO READ | Trump likely to share stage at ‘Howdy Modi’ event, say reports
While announcing Trump’s participation in the rally, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said that it would be a great opportunity to emphasise the strong ties between the people of Indian and the US and “to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies and to deepen their energy and trade relationship.”
The report further said that the White House officials told PTI that a request was made by PM Modi to President Trump when they both met in August during the G7 summit in France. Officials said that Trump “immediately accepted” the request to join Modi on September 22, and directed his officials and the secret service about the same.
Terming Trump’s participation in the mega event as “historic” and “unprecedented”, Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that it reflects a strong bond of friendship and close ties between the two countries. Shringla added that it showed the people-to-people contact that provides organic linkage between India and the US.
(With inputs from agencies)
