PM Modi said there's renewed synergy in Indo-US ties. PM Modi invited President Donald Trump to visit India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian-American community at the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. US President Donald Trump was also present on the occasion. At 'Howdy, Modi!', PM Narendra Modi attacks Pakistan in front of President Donald Trump over the issue of terrorism

Houston (Texas): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian-American community event, 'Howdy, Modi!', at the NRG Stadium in Texas’ Houston on Sunday. United States President Donald Trump was among the nearly 50,000 people present at the venue of the mega event. Trump addressed the event a short while back wherein he talked about strong Indo-US ties.

PM Modi and President Trump are slated to meet once again on Tuesday in New York for a bilateral meeting. PM Modi is in the US to attend the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly.

PM Modi Speech At ‘Howdy Modi’: Top Points

1. Hitting out at Pakistan without naming it over the issue of terrorism, PM Modi said the time for decisive action against the menace has come. “Where do you find conspirators of 9/11 and 26/11 terror attacks? Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism. I want to stress on the fact that in this fight, President Trump is standing firmly with us,” the PM said.

2. Talking about Kashmir, PM Modi said India had scrapped a provision of the Constitution that had been giving rise to separatism in the state. “India has given farewell to Article 370, which allowed terrorism and separatism to rear its head in Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights,” Modi said, adding that the decision had unnerved Pakistan. “India's decision on Article 370 has troubled some people, who can't handle their country, who support terrorism. The whole world knows them very well.” The PM also asked the people present at the venue to give a standing ovation to Indian MPs for Parliament's nod to repeal Article 370 provisions.

3. PM Modi told the 50,000-strong crowd that India was working day and night to realise its goal of a ‘New India’. “We are challenging and changing ourself. Today, India is challenging the mindset of some people who believe that nothing can change. Now we are aiming high and we are achieving higher,” the PM noted.

4. The PM said he was a common man who was working for the people of India. “This event is called ‘Howdy Modi’, but I am no one. I am a common man working on the directions of 130 crore Indians,” he said. “For us, 'ease of living' is as important as 'ease of doing business' and for that, empowerment is important. When the common citizen is empowered, then the nation moves forward on the path of social and economic development,” the PM added, while noting that India was aiming to become USD 5 trillion economy.

5. Talking about the India General Elections held earlier this year, PM Modi said the recent elections had showcased Indian democracy's greatness across the world. “61 crore people, twice the US population, voted,” he said. The PM went on to add: “Our various languages are an important identity of our liberal and democratic society. For centuries, our nation has been moving forward with dozens of languages and hundreds of dialects. Diversity is the foundation of our vibrant democracy.”

6. Modi also talked about a new chemistry in the Indo-US bilateral ties. “This atmosphere is unprecedented and extraordinary; when you talk of Texas, then everything is on a grand scale. We are seeing new history and chemistry being made and witnessing new Indo-US synergy,” the PM told the event.

7. The PM also spoke about the recent reduction in corporate tax by around 10 percentage points, aimed at spurring the Indian economy. “I met CEOs of energy sector yesterday; they looked excited by India's decision to slash corporate tax. They gave the feedback that this decision has sent a positive message not only in India but among global business leaders as well. This will make India more competitive globally,” he said.

8. Inviting President Trump to visit India, Modi said, “Mr President Trump, I want you to come to India, with your family. Our friendship will take our shared dreams and our vibrant future to new heights.” The PM also said: “President Trump calls me a 'tough negotiator', but he himself is a master of the 'art of the deal' and I am learning a lot from him.”

9. PM Modi also talked about upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. “On October 2, when the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India will bid farewell to open defecation. In the last 5 years, we have bid farewell to 1500 archaic laws.”