In Pics: ‘Howdy, Modi!’ says Houston as Modi and Trump share the stage

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. 

Sriram Emani's IndianRaga performed at 'Howdy, Modi!'. Photo courtesy: Sriram Emani
Sriram Emani's IndianRaga performed at 'Howdy, Modi!'. Photo courtesy: Sriram Emani

Crowds started gathering outside the NRG stadium from early in the morning as people queued up to get inside. 

Photo courtesy: Twitter/@overseas_bjp
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@overseas_bjp
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@overseas_bjp
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@overseas_bjp

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.

Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BJP4India
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BJP4India
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BJP4India
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BJP4India

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". 

US Senator John Cornyn also addressed the crowd. Photo courtesy: Twitter
US Senator John Cornyn also addressed the crowd. Photo courtesy: Twitter

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. 

Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ribadiyadipen
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ribadiyadipen

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.

Photo courtesy: Twitter/howdymodi
Photo courtesy: Twitter/howdymodi

Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump shared the stage and addressed the gathered crowd of Indian-Americans. 

Photo courtesy: Twitter/@PIB_India
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@PIB_India
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BJP4India
Photo courtesy: Twitter/@BJP4India