Largest reception given to Narendra Modi during ‘Howdy, Modi!’ that any foreign leader has received in the U.S.
More than 50,000 people had gathered at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday, i.e., September 22, 2019 to witness a historic event, ‘Howdy, Modi!’ where the President of India – Narendra Modi and the President of United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump shared the stage and highlighted the achievements of their respective Governments.
During the 90-minute event, the audience was enthralled by more than 400 performers, before Modi and Trump took over the stage. The moment Modi and Trump entered the stage, holding hand-in-hand, the crowd started cheering for the 2 leaders, making the atmosphere electrifying. They were chanting ‘Modi’ and ‘USA’.
The reception received during the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ is one of the largest receptions that any foreign leader has received in the U.S. For the records, U.S. has 4 million Indians or 1/5th of the Asian Americans in the U.S.
Modi told the gathering that when he met Trump the very first time, the latter responded by saying that India has a “true friend” in the White House. He further said that the presence of Trump at ‘Howdy, Modi!’ is a proof of those words.
“From CEO to commander-in-chief, from boardrooms to the Oval Office, from studios to the global stage. He has left a lasting impact everywhere,” said Modi praising Trump.
Modi also added, “President Trump calls me the top negotiator but he himself is great at the ‘Art of the deal’ and I am learning a lot from him.”
Trump returned the favour by addressing Modi as “warm, friendly, accessible, energetic and full of wit.” Besides, Trump compared India’s concerns with its neighbour Pakistan with that of the U.S. and Mexico. “Both India and US also understand that to keep our communities safe, we must protect our borders.” said Trump.
Trump also grabbed the opportunity to appeal to the Indian-American voters in Harris County, to vote for him during the upcoming Presidential polls in U.S. in 2020.
Thanking trump on twitter, Modi said, “Dear @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, your presence at #HowdyModi in Houston was a watershed moment in India-USA ties. Since assuming office, you have been a steadfast friend of India and the Indian community. Your presence indicates your respect towards India and the Indian diaspora.”
He further tweeted, “Moments from Houston that will always remain a part of my memory. I thank all those who came for the #HowdyModi programme. The event was lively, showcasing the special features of Indian culture and accomplishments of the Indian diaspora.”
Post the ‘Howdy. Modi!’ event, Modi reached New York to attend the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, which we would be addressing for the 2nd time. On the sidelines of the session, Modi is also expected to meet the U.N. Secretary-General – Antonio Guterres and the Indian community in New York outside the General Assembly Hall.
As for Trump, he left for Wapakoneta, Ohio, to tour an Australian-owned cardboard manufacturing plant alongside Australian Prime Minister – Scott Morrison.
