PM Modi arrives in Houston; will address mega event today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Houston for his week-long tour of the United States. As part of the schedule, he will address a diaspora of over 50,000 Indian-Americans today. US President Donald Trump will also share the stage with him. Later during the trip, PM Modi will hold several bilateral meetings and address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi participated in a roundtable meeting in Houston with top energy sector CEOs. The discussions during the "fruitfut" interaction focused on working together for energy security and expanding mutual investment opportunities between India and US, said MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar.
One of the major highlights of PM Modi's tour is the 'Howdy Modi' event that is scheduled at the NRG stadium today. The event has been organized by Texas India (TI) Forum. Importantly, it will feature prominent Indian-Americans, US lawmakers, and 400 artistes who will present a cultural show. As per estimates, Houston has over 1,30,000 Indian-Americans residing there.
In a special gesture, US President Trump is set to join PM Modi for the mega rally today. It is a win-win situation for both the leaders. It could help Trump win support of a strong Indian-American community, before the 2020 Presidential elections. On the other hand, it will relieve PM Modi, as many US lawmakers have been critical of New Delhi's Kashmir move.
Further, the two leaders will meet once again on Tuesday, when they will hold a bilateral meet in New York. The discussions during the meeting are expected to revolve around the ongoing trade standoff over tariffs between the two countries. Moving on, PM Modi will also attend an investment roundtable with over 40 major companies on Wednesday, amid abysmal economic condition back home.
Before concluding the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to address the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27. Moreover, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who will speak shortly after, is expected to counter India over the Kashmir situation. To note, Islamabad has been unsuccessfully flagging the Kashmir issue at various International forums, whereas India has maintained that it is an "internal matter."
