India-US Ties Touch New Heights Post 'Howdy Modi'; Trump To Visit India After PM Modi’s Invitation

As Trump announced that India will soon have access to National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball, he said that he said laughingly that he may come to India.

Houston: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump shake hands after introductions during the "Howdi Modi" event Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at NRG Stadium in Houston. AP/PTI Photo(AP9_23_2019_000005B)

New Delhi: The US-India relations touched new heights after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Houston, where he addressed a massive gathering of Indian-American community, along with US President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Modi also extended invitation to the US President and his family to visit India, saying it will give a new height to the relations between the two countries. The friendship between the two leaders was on full display at the event, as Trump sat patiently among the audience for 50 minutes, listening to the PM Modi’s address. "Mr President, I would like that you come to India with your family and give us an opportunity to welcome you. Our friendship will take our shared dreams and vibrant futures to a new height," Modi said. As the two leaders echoed similar sentiments on various issues including trade, defence and terrorism, PM Modi said that the message from the event will give rise to new opportunities in the 21st century. The two leaders were also seen holding hands and taking a lap around the NRG Stadium after their address. "This is extraordinary, this unprecedented. We have met a few times, and every time he has been the same warm, friendly, energetic and accessible. I admire him also for his sense of leadership and passion for America, a concern for every American, a belief in America's future and a strong resolve to 'Make America Great Again'," Modi told the 50,000-strong crowd, with a smiling Trump standing beside him. Trump announced that India will soon have access to another world class American product – National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball. “And very soon, India will have access to another world class American product- NBA basketball. Wow, sounds good. Next week, thousands of people will gather in Mumbai to watch the first-ever, NBA basketball game in India,” Trump said. “Am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful, I may come,” he said laughingly as Prime Minster Modi laughed. Extending best wished to the US President Modi for the presidential elections in 2020, the Prime Minister, in his style, further vouched for Trump, saying "ab ki baar Trump sarkar" - modifying the 'Ab ki Baar Modi sarkar' slogan coined for the 2014BJP election campaign. It is also worth mentioning that during his address, President Trump, after a long time, did not use his official podium, instead, he was using one that had India and USA flags. This illustrated the importance that the US President accords to India and welcoming gesture towards the contributions of the Indian Diaspora in the United States. (additional inputs from agencies)