PM thanks ‘Steadfast Friend’ Trump, terms his presence at Howdy as ‘watershed moment’

After the successful completion of the ‘Howdy Modi’ mega event at the energy capital of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described President Donald Trump as ”steadfast friend of India” and his presence as ”watershed moment in India-USA ties”.
”Your presence at Howdy Modi in Houston was a watershed moment in India-USA ties,” said Mr Modi in his tweet.
He said 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 stated and maintained that moments from Houston that will always remain a part of his memory.
Mr Modi further said that the event was lively and full of positive energy that showcased Indian culture and the accomplishments of the Indian diapsora.
”Moments from Houston that will always remain a part of my memory. I thank all those who came for the Howdy Modi programme. The event was lively, showcasing the special features of Indian culture and accomplishments of the Indian diaspora,” the PM said in a tweet.
Mr Modi also shared some photographs of the event on his twitter handle.
Opening a new vista in Indo-US bilateral relationship, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump on Sunday shared stage and walked for about 10 minutes hand in hand at the sprawling NRG stadium here after both the leaders made a strong pitch for fight against ‘radical Islamic terrorism’.

Prime Minister Modi lashed out at Pakistan for pursuing a policy of hatred against India while President Trump said ”We are committed to protecting innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism”. In fact,  Trump’s remarks drew a 50,000 strong capacity crowd of Indian Americans and US lawmakers stand up in approval.

Prime Minister Modi left Houston after attending the high profile rally for New York.
“Farewell Texas. After an unprecedented and historic visit to Houston, PM Narendra Modi departs for New York City to address the UNGA and participate in other multilateral and bilateral engagements,” MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
The Prime Minister has several multilateral events in the New York on Monday beginning with the Climate Summit organized by the UN Secretary General.

In his address at this event, Prime Minister will showcase what India has done to address Climate Change issues and also highlight Indian expectations and aspirations from the international community to address this very pressing problem, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale has said in Delhi last week. UN Secretary General António Guterres will be hosting an important meet during the day on the Universal Health Coverage.

The Government of India’s program of Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest healthcare initiative and thus Prime Minister will be focusing on showcasing the programme at this event.

Another important meet on Monday under the aegis of the world body will be the Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorists and Violent Extremist Narratives. This is a dialogue jointly hosted by His Majesty, the King of Jordan, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the President of France and the UN Secretary General.

The Prime Minister has been invited to speak at this event. Other speakers, who have also been invited include the President of Kenya and Indonesia, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of Germany, sources said.

Among other programmes, Prime Minister will have bilateral with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and he will also address the UN General Assembly on September 27. (UNI)