Modi Leaves For US; 'Howdy Modi Will Be New Milestone In India-US Ties,’ Says PM

Before embarking his journey, PM voiced his confidence saying that his visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader, and also help impart new energy to bilateral ties with the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a week-long visit to the US on Friday. (Twitter)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a week-long visit to the US on Friday. He will be in the United States from September 21 to 27. With the aim to boost bilateral ties, PM will attend the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Before embarking his journey, PM voiced his confidence saying that his visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader, and also help impart new energy to bilateral ties with the US. In a statement, Modi said he looks forward to meeting US President Donald Trump in Houston as well as in New York, in a span of a few days. Besides multi-lateral engagements, interaction with the business community and bilateral meetings, Prime Minister will also an address to the Indian diaspora at the "Howdy, Modi" event in Houston on September 22, where Trump and over 60 American lawmakers will also be present.

On Sunday, the 22nd at 10:15 AM local time there would be a large community programme in Houston. We are honoured that @POTUS @realDonaldTrump is gracing the programme with his presence. This gathering would be a new milestone in India-USA ties. #HowdyModi

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019

Terming the US "a vital partner for our national development", PM said that their "shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the foundation for natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies". Both sides will review bilateral relations "in order to bring even more benefits to our two nations and peoples", he said. Modi will also address the UN General Assembly session. He is slated to hold around 20 bilateral meetings during his New York visit, including with President Trump. During his UNGA speech he will focus on India's role towards development and peace and security, with no mention of Article 370 which is an "internal issue", the Ministry of External Affairs had said on Thursday. India will also host at the UN an event to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi that will see the participation of several heads of state and government along with the UN Secretary General to "pay our collective tribute to Gandhiji and underscore the significance of his message".

My upcoming USA visit would include various high-level programmes that would further cement India’s ties with USA, important multilateral events and interactions with the Indian community as well as business leaders. Here are the details. https://t.co/0eij3M85qr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019

On the Houston leg of his visit, Modi will interact with CEOs of leading energy companies in the US with the aim to enhance India-US energy partnership. The New York leg of the visit will also cover important elements of bilateral relations and he will also addressing the opening plenary of the Bloomberg Global Business Forum and receive the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Goalkeepers Goals Award 2019.