‘Howdy’ Modi-Trump join hands

NEVER had Houston, the United States, India and the world seen such a spectacle when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump stood together greeting each other, greeting each other’s nation, and swearing to stand by each other in global affairs. Watching the historic moment in person, thousands of Indians at the majestic and massive NRG Football Stadium were joined in by countless millions of Indians and others from their home perches on television. Spontaneous claps, whistles, chants and slogans tore through the sky as the two leaders spoke in praise of each other and of India and the United States.

“Howdy Modi!” became a slogan and an endearment as countless thousands Indian-Americans and others went into a heady, lusty cheer as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump arrived to celebrate “Shared dreams, Bright Futures” in a rare show of mutual comradeship and trust India and the United States have been building for years through thick and thin of international stresses and strains. Chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai” tore through the skies as thousands of Indian and American flags created colourful waves all over the massive stadium. Introducing President Trump to the massive audience, Prime Minister Modi said in fine English, “In 2017, the President had introduced me to his family in the White House.

Today, I introduce him to this great family of mine -- of all the Indians”, Modi added spreading his arms around to showcase the emotionally charged audience. A little while earlier, Modi almost launched Trump’s election campaign by imitating his own election slogan: Abki Baar Trump Sarkaar. And then Modi walked to his chair in the audience, leaving the stage to his “great friend Donald Trump”. Grabbing the moment by both hands, President Trump made the best of the occasion by stressing how mutually beneficial the friendship between India and the US has been. “Believe me, you Indians never had a better friend in the White House. You Indian Americans are proud citizens here. We are proud to have you among us”, Trump said. He went on to assert again and again that the world’s two great democracies have so much in common, which they must utilise.

And when Trump ended his short speech to lusty cheers by the crowd, Modi returned to the podium and started in chaste Hindi, directly talking to his “family” of India. He said, the Howdy Modi event was a testimony to the growing and ever-enhancing synergy between India and the United States. Howdy -- How do you do! -- asked Modi to the surging crowds and each one present roared back “Howdy Modi”. Claps and chants and drums and whistles made a happy cacophony which is expected to be heard across the world to showcase friendship between not just two nations but also between two leaders, no matter the recent hick-ups on trade issues.

After his one-hour speech in which he used many Indian languages to say “everything is fine”, Prime Minister Modi ignored a gesture by a security officer and walked straight to President Trump seated in front row of the audience. He then convinced Trump and held his hand for a walk around the capacity-packed stadium in the manner of a victory-lap. The two walked hand in hand and waved at the cheering crowd. Even as both of them relished the moment, President Trump’s face showed a fair element of amazement at the Indian leader’s sense of surprise and spontaneity.