The event was named ‘Howdy Modi’. “But Modi alone is nothing. I am a person working for the wishes of 130 crore people in India. So when you ask, ‘Howdy Modi’, I would say, ‘All is well in India’.”
Joined by US president Donald J Trump, prime minister Narendra Modi Sunday addressed over 50,000 people at the 'Howdy Modi' event at NRG stadium in Houston, Texas. Modi said a new history and new chemistry were being forged at this event. “The presence of Donald Trump and the senators talking about India's progress is a respect to the achievement of the 1.3 billion Indians,” he said. He added that the energy at the stadium shows the increasing synergy between India and the US.
“Today, India is determined and working hard towards creating a New India”, the PM said. He said that a lot of efforts are being provided to build a new and better India. “India is not putting off challenges; we are taking them head on. India is not going for incremental changes, we are working on creating permanent solutions, and making impossible possible”, he said.
Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, the PM said, “In the last five years, 130 crore Indians have achieved things which on one could have even imagined. We are aiming high, we are achieving higher.” He spoke about the transformational work done by his government in providing gas connections to households, improving rural sanitation, creating rural road infrastructure, opening of bank accounts etc.
Modi reiterated the commitment of his government towards ‘Ease of Living’ as well as ‘Ease of He said that under his government development will reach each and every Indian.
Speaking about the abrogation of Article 370, the PM asked the gathering to give standing ovation to the parliamentarians for taking such a decisive strong action. He said that Article 370 had kept people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh away from development and progress. “Now people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have the same rights as every Indian,” he said.
He said that time had come for tough decisive fight against terrorism and those who support terrorism. He praised president Trump’s resolve in fighting against terrorism.
He also extended an invite for Trump and his family to visit India. “Our friendship will give new heights to the vibrant future of India and the United States.”
Trump said Modi was doing an exceptional job for India and its citizens. He congratulated the prime minister for his unprecedented election victory. He added that the ties between the two countries are better than ever.
“India has lifted nearly three hundred million people out of poverty under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. That is incredible,” he said, adding that under Modi’s leadership, the world is witnessing a strong, thriving Republic of India. The president thanked the Indian community for their contributions and said that his administration is committed towards the betterment of the community.
Welcoming Modi to Houston, House Majority leader Steny Honer said that the US is inspired by modern India. He said that Modi leads the nation while being mindful of the challenges, undeterred as India reaches into a new frontier of space and equally determined to lift millions out of poverty back on earth.
