Howdy Modi live blog: PM Modi's supporters gather in large numbers in Houston

Large number of supporters gather to watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump as Howdy Modi event kicks off in Houston.

11:56 PM

PM Modi on $5 trillion economy

"India has been growing at an average of 7.5%, despite several impediments.. Such a feat has never been achieved. Today India is one of the many FDI countries." 

12:10 AM

PM Modi, Trump join hands for a walk

Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump, took a walk across the NRG Stadium to wave to those who have gathered at the venue

12:05 AM

PM Modi on economy

"The corporate tax cuts have received good feedback. With President Donald Trump's vision, America will scale greated heights. President calls me a tough negotiater but I'm learning from him."

11:52 PM

PM Modi hints at abrogations of Articles 370, 35

"Among several other things that we bid farewell, we also bid farewell to Articles 370, 35A," said PM Modi, in a bid to eradicate terrorism. Now Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have the same status that the rest of India enjoys.

"The discrimination that the people faced there are now over. The  t

11:44 PM

PM Modi bids farewell to open defecation

When everyone celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, India will bid farewell to open defecation

11:39 PM

PM Modi on India's achievements

PM Modi said, "We are aiming high but are achieving higher." 

11:36 PM

PM Modi on Lok Sabha

"For the first time in 60 years, a party emerged with full majority and emerged victorious with more numbers than its first win, All this happened because of Indians," said PM Modi. 
Today, "sabka saath, sabka vikas" is on everyone's lips, said PM Modi. Today everyone in India wishes for a New India. 

11:34 PM

PM Modi on Unity in diversity

"India's diversity is its strength. Wherever we go, we take with us democracy and diversity," said PM Modi

11:29 PM

"PM Modi is nothing"

"PM Modi is nothing, without his people. So when you guys ask me 'Howdy Modi' then my answer is that in India, everything is fine," stated PM Modi. 

"Everything is fine," stated PM Modi in Gujarati, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. He further clarified to his American friends that he said the same thing in different languages, which is reflective of the diversity in India. 

 

11:28 PM

PM Modi apologises to Houston

Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologises to those who could not get tickets for the event. He even lauded the citizens for their strength in fighting the weather. 

11:23 PM

PM Modi addresses the gathering in Hindi

"This atmosphere is unimaginable," says PM Modi, adding that Texas is very generous with what it does. "The spirit of Texas is reflective right here," added PM Modi. 

"Today there is a history in the making and also chemistry. The energy of NRG is reflective of the ever growing synergy," stated the Prime Minister. 

11:22 PM

Trump sets the stage for PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering once again 

11:18 PM

President Trump hails PM Modi

President Trump once again hails PM Modi as his good friend and thanks the crowd for being there

 

11:15 PM

Trump sends a strong anti-terrorism message

"Border security is vital to the United States and to India. We are taking steps to stop illegal immigration from our southern border. Illegal immigration is unfair to those legal immigrants," said Trump. "My administration is working towards taking care of Americans first, be it Indian Americans, Hispanic American," added Trump. 

11:12 PM

President Trump on exports

"We are working closely with India for space relations. India and American are working towards eliminating terrorism," said Donald Trump adding that we must protect our borders in order to keeping the citizens safe. 

11:09 PM

President Trump on unemployment of Indians

 President Trump stated that unemployment amongst Indian American has dropped to as low as 33.1%. 

11:04 PM

President Trump hails India

"India has lifted 300 million people out of poverty," stated Trump while mentioning that jobs have been created in large numbers for Texas. "Unemployment in the USA has reached the lowest in years," added Trump. 

11:02 PM

President Trump stands by Texas during floods

President Trump has lent his shoulder to the people of Texas who saw floods in parts of the state ahead of the Howdy Modi event. 

10:58 PM

President Trump takes over

President Donald Trump hails PM Modi for his commendable work in India. He even calls PM Modi one of America's loyal friends. 

10:57 PM

PM Modi hints at "history in the making"

"Million across the world and in India are witnessing history in the making," says PM Modi as he introduces "his family to US President Donald Trump"

10:47 PM

PM Modi lauds Donald Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduces US President Donald Trump as one of the greatest leaders. "We have met a few times and everytime he has been the same, friendly, warm, energetic. I admire him for his sense of leadership, a passion for America, a concern for every American and a strong resolve to make America great again!"

10:44 PM

PM Modi extends greetings to America

PM Modi extends warm greetings to Houston, Texas and America amidst a thunderous applause. PM Modi hails Donald Trump as he begins his speech 

 

10:43 PM

PM Modi, Trump handshake in Houston

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump walked on stage to a thunderous applause from the crowd. 

The two leaders and the stadium rise for the National Anthems of both countries 

10:29 PM

US President Donald Trumps arrives

US President Donald Trump has arrived at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar receives Trump. 

 

10:03 PM

PM Modi to address gathering shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the gathering shortly

9:51 PM

US representative Steny Hoyer welcomes PM

US representative extends a warm welcome to PM Modi, quotes Mahatma Gandhi to draw parallels between America and India. "President Bush strengthened the ties of the two nations, President Obama solidified it and President Trump continues it," he said, further adding that India and America are working in a way that no one could have imagined ten years ago. 

9:47 PM

Mayor Sylvester Turner presents PM Modi with a key

Mayor Sylvester Turner presents PM Modi with a key to Houston 

9:43 PM

PM Modi arrives at NRG Stadium

Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes an entry into the NRG Stadium through the sounds of "Howdy Modi!"

9:42 PM

NRG Stadium resonates with "Howdy Modi"

NRG Stadium resonates with "Howdy Modi" to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi 

9:37 PM

Senator John Cornyn welcomes PM Modi

Senator John Cornyn welcomes PM Modi saying "Texas supplied first American crude to India. Texas ranks second largest trade partner to India, right after California."

9:34 PM

Texas Senator welcomes PM Modi

Texas Senator Ted Cruz welcomes PM Modi, says, "Americal is proud to be your friend"

9:28 PM

Houston's Mayor welcomes leaders from across country

Mayor of Houston gives a Texas sized welcome to PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and all elected members 

9:27 PM

Mayor of Houston addresses gathering

Mayor of Houston welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says, "Let's all say 'Howdy' to Modi" 

9:26 PM

PM Modi arrives at NRG Stadium

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches NRG Stadium 

PM reaches for event. pic.twitter.com/6RT1JIehEZ

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts)

9:06 PM

PM Modi, Donald Trump tweet to each other

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to say that he looks forward to a great day. 

Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas! https://t.co/SqdOZfqd2b

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)

To which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has replied saying it "sure will be"

It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon . https://t.co/BSum4VyeFI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

9:02 PM

Battle between Tap Dance and Kathak

A jugalbandi between Kathak and Tapdance sends Houston in a frenzy 

8:57 PM

East meets West

Classical music gets a western touch at NRG Stadium 

8:48 PM

Performers use Yoga to send a message

Yoga takes centre stage 

And now an amazing act centered around Yoga.

— Texas India Forum (@howdymodi)

8:35 PM

Bollywood comes to Houston

Houston shakes a leg to Bollywood numbers 

8:32 PM

Houston groves the Indian way

Houston groves to tunes from across India 

8:22 PM

Bhangra dancers set stage on fire

Bhangra dancers bring the stage alive at NRG stadium 

 

8:20 PM

400 artistes participate in cultural programme

The cultural programme preceding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, showcasing Indian-American artists from Texas and elsewhere, will portray how the community is woven into the larger tapestry of American life.

8:16 PM

Sikh Gurbani singers set the ball rolling

#HowdyModi event begins with a Sikh Gurbani prayer from the Kirtan singers of the Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati.

8:14 PM

Classical dancers take centre stage

Classical dancers captivate Houston audience

8:10 PM

Cultural programme kicks off

Cultural programme ahead of PM Modi's speech begins at NRG Stadium in Houston

 

8:02 PM

90 minute cultural programme scheduled

90 minute cultural programme scheduled ahead of PM Modi's speech 

7:54 PM

Senator John Cornyn arrives

Senator John Cornyn is at the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston
 

7:48 PM

Donald Trump to address Howdy Modi event

Trump will address the Indian diaspora at the "Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" event at 9:30 pm (IST), according to the White House.

 

7:46 PM

Texas India Forum informs event is about to begin

Texas India Forum tweets sayin that the event is about to begin in a "few minutes"

We are just a few minutes away from the start of . Keep tweeting and posting using the hashtag and tag !

Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/xt1QcyA6x5 pic.twitter.com/rGNg5kVuXA

— Texas India Forum (@howdymodi)

7:40 PM

US President Donald Trump to reach NRG Stadium

President Donald Trump enroute to NRG Stadium in Houston 

12:00 AM

US lawmakers greet PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with the US lawmakers after his grand entry 

12:04 AM IST:

"India has been growing at an average of 7.5%, despite several impediments.. Such a feat has never been achieved. Today India is one of the many FDI countries." 

12:13 AM IST:

Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump, took a walk across the NRG Stadium to wave to those who have gathered at the venue

12:07 AM IST:

"The corporate tax cuts have received good feedback. With President Donald Trump's vision, America will scale greated heights. President calls me a tough negotiater but I'm learning from him."

11:55 PM IST:

"Among several other things that we bid farewell, we also bid farewell to Articles 370, 35A," said PM Modi, in a bid to eradicate terrorism. Now Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have the same status that the rest of India enjoys.

"The discrimination that the people faced there are now over. The  t

11:50 PM IST:

When everyone celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, India will bid farewell to open defecation

11:40 PM IST:

PM Modi said, "We are aiming high but are achieving higher." 

11:37 PM IST:

"For the first time in 60 years, a party emerged with full majority and emerged victorious with more numbers than its first win, All this happened because of Indians," said PM Modi. 
Today, "sabka saath, sabka vikas" is on everyone's lips, said PM Modi. Today everyone in India wishes for a New India. 

11:34 PM IST:

"India's diversity is its strength. Wherever we go, we take with us democracy and diversity," said PM Modi

11:31 PM IST:

"PM Modi is nothing, without his people. So when you guys ask me 'Howdy Modi' then my answer is that in India, everything is fine," stated PM Modi. 

"Everything is fine," stated PM Modi in Gujarati, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada. He further clarified to his American friends that he said the same thing in different languages, which is reflective of the diversity in India. 

 

11:28 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologises to those who could not get tickets for the event. He even lauded the citizens for their strength in fighting the weather. 

11:24 PM IST:

"This atmosphere is unimaginable," says PM Modi, adding that Texas is very generous with what it does. "The spirit of Texas is reflective right here," added PM Modi. 

"Today there is a history in the making and also chemistry. The energy of NRG is reflective of the ever growing synergy," stated the Prime Minister. 

11:21 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering once again 

11:20 PM IST:

President Trump once again hails PM Modi as his good friend and thanks the crowd for being there

 

11:17 PM IST:

"Border security is vital to the United States and to India. We are taking steps to stop illegal immigration from our southern border. Illegal immigration is unfair to those legal immigrants," said Trump. "My administration is working towards taking care of Americans first, be it Indian Americans, Hispanic American," added Trump. 

11:14 PM IST:

"We are working closely with India for space relations. India and American are working towards eliminating terrorism," said Donald Trump adding that we must protect our borders in order to keeping the citizens safe. 

11:09 PM IST:

 President Trump stated that unemployment amongst Indian American has dropped to as low as 33.1%. 

11:05 PM IST:

"India has lifted 300 million people out of poverty," stated Trump while mentioning that jobs have been created in large numbers for Texas. "Unemployment in the USA has reached the lowest in years," added Trump. 

11:02 PM IST:

President Trump has lent his shoulder to the people of Texas who saw floods in parts of the state ahead of the Howdy Modi event. 

10:57 PM IST:

President Donald Trump hails PM Modi for his commendable work in India. He even calls PM Modi one of America's loyal friends. 

10:57 PM IST:

"Million across the world and in India are witnessing history in the making," says PM Modi as he introduces "his family to US President Donald Trump"

10:50 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduces US President Donald Trump as one of the greatest leaders. "We have met a few times and everytime he has been the same, friendly, warm, energetic. I admire him for his sense of leadership, a passion for America, a concern for every American and a strong resolve to make America great again!"

10:59 PM IST:

PM Modi extends warm greetings to Houston, Texas and America amidst a thunderous applause. PM Modi hails Donald Trump as he begins his speech 

 

10:43 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump walked on stage to a thunderous applause from the crowd. 

The two leaders and the stadium rise for the National Anthems of both countries 

10:30 PM IST:

US President Donald Trump has arrived at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar receives Trump. 

 

10:02 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the gathering shortly

9:53 PM IST:

US representative extends a warm welcome to PM Modi, quotes Mahatma Gandhi to draw parallels between America and India. "President Bush strengthened the ties of the two nations, President Obama solidified it and President Trump continues it," he said, further adding that India and America are working in a way that no one could have imagined ten years ago. 

9:47 PM IST:

Mayor Sylvester Turner presents PM Modi with a key to Houston 

9:42 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes an entry into the NRG Stadium through the sounds of "Howdy Modi!"

9:41 PM IST:

NRG Stadium resonates with "Howdy Modi" to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi 

9:38 PM IST:

Senator John Cornyn welcomes PM Modi saying "Texas supplied first American crude to India. Texas ranks second largest trade partner to India, right after California."

9:35 PM IST:

Texas Senator Ted Cruz welcomes PM Modi, says, "Americal is proud to be your friend"

9:29 PM IST:

Mayor of Houston gives a Texas sized welcome to PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and all elected members 

9:27 PM IST:

Mayor of Houston welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says, "Let's all say 'Howdy' to Modi" 

9:24 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches NRG Stadium 

PM reaches for event. pic.twitter.com/6RT1JIehEZ

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts)

9:07 PM IST:

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to say that he looks forward to a great day. 

Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas! https://t.co/SqdOZfqd2b

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)

To which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has replied saying it "sure will be"

It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon . https://t.co/BSum4VyeFI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

9:00 PM IST:

A jugalbandi between Kathak and Tapdance sends Houston in a frenzy 

8:58 PM IST:

Classical music gets a western touch at NRG Stadium 

8:47 PM IST:

Yoga takes centre stage 

And now an amazing act centered around Yoga.

— Texas India Forum (@howdymodi)

8:33 PM IST:

Houston shakes a leg to Bollywood numbers 

8:31 PM IST:

Houston groves to tunes from across India 

8:22 PM IST:

Bhangra dancers bring the stage alive at NRG stadium 

 

8:19 PM IST:

The cultural programme preceding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, showcasing Indian-American artists from Texas and elsewhere, will portray how the community is woven into the larger tapestry of American life.

8:15 PM IST:

#HowdyModi event begins with a Sikh Gurbani prayer from the Kirtan singers of the Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati.

8:12 PM IST:

Classical dancers captivate Houston audience

8:09 PM IST:

Cultural programme ahead of PM Modi's speech begins at NRG Stadium in Houston

 

7:59 PM IST:

90 minute cultural programme scheduled ahead of PM Modi's speech 

7:51 PM IST:

Senator John Cornyn is at the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston
 

7:46 PM IST:

Trump will address the Indian diaspora at the "Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures" event at 9:30 pm (IST), according to the White House.

 

7:45 PM IST:

Texas India Forum tweets sayin that the event is about to begin in a "few minutes"

We are just a few minutes away from the start of . Keep tweeting and posting using the hashtag and tag !

Watch the live stream here: https://t.co/xt1QcyA6x5 pic.twitter.com/rGNg5kVuXA

— Texas India Forum (@howdymodi)

7:41 PM IST:

President Donald Trump enroute to NRG Stadium in Houston 

9:43 PM IST:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with the US lawmakers after his grand entry