PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote, "A special gesture by POTUS signifying the special friendship between India and USA! Delighted that President Donald Trump will join the community programme in Houston on the 22nd. Looking forward to joining the Indian origin community in welcoming him at the programme." He further wrote, "The special gesture of President @realDonaldTrump to join us in Houston highlights the strength of the relationship and recognition of the contribution of the Indian community to American society and economy. #HowdyModi"
In a statement earlier today, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said, “It (Modi-Trump joint rally) will be a great opportunity to emphasize the strong ties between the people of the United States and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship.”
Also Read | US President Donald Trump To Join PM Modi At 'Howdy, Modi!' Event In Houston
More than 50,000 Indian-Americans from across the US have registered for the September 22 mega "Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" event to be held at the sprawling NRG Stadium in Houston. "Howdy", short for 'How do you do?', is a friendly greeting commonly used in southwestern United States.
This would also be the first time that an American president would be addressing thousands of Indian-Americans at one place in the US.
Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla called Trump's participation in the "Howdy, Modi!" event "historic" and "unprecedented". "It is reflective of the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that has developed between India and the US," Shringla said.
"This is unprecedented and historic and is reflective of the close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and the US," the ambassador said, welcoming the White House announcement. He said it was reflective of the people-to-people contact that provides the "organic" linkage between the two countries.