Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with loud cheers of "Howdy, Modi" as he took to the stage at a massive event in Houston, Texas. Attended by various members of the US Congress, business leaders and a 50,000-strong crowd of Indian-Americans, the 'Howdy, Modi!' event will see US President Donald Trump and PM Modi address the crowd.
Here are a few glimpses of the 3 hour long mega-event in Houston:
Prime Minister Modi arrived at the NRG stadium, one of the largest in the US, for the 'Howdy, Modi' event.
Sriram Emani's IndianRaga was one of around 400 artists who were performing at the 'Howdy, Modi!' event. "IndianRaga is proud to represent the coming together of India and the United States through our iconic rendition of the shape of you Raga Mix. This piece symbolizes an exciting blend of Indian and American culture – together we are better, stronger and more fun!" Emani told Connected to India ahead of the event.
Crowds started gathering outside the NRG stadium from early in the morning as people queued up to get inside.
The event began with a 90-minute cultural programme called "Woven: The Indian-American Story" – a music, dance, and multimedia show featuring close to 400 artistes and celebrating Indian-Americans and their contribution to the cultural, intellectual, and social landscape of the United States.
Two US lawmakers – US Senator John Cornyn and House Majority leader Steny Hoyer – also addressed the crowd with Cornyn calling it a "Texas-sized welcome" for PM Modi, adding "India is one of our best friends and partners… Texas is India's second largest trading partner in the US".
Earlier in the day US President Donald Trump and Modi had tweeted to each other looking forward to meeting at the event.
PM Modi was welcomed with cheers and applause as he stepped onto the stage at the packed NRG stadium.
The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presented the key to the city to PM Modi as the mark of respect, solidarity and long standing India-Houston relationship.
Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump shared the stage and addressed the gathered crowd of Indian-Americans.
