Massive crowd hails Donald Trump and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi
A massive crowd gave Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a rapturous reception at a “Howdy Modi!” rally in Houston, Texas.
The crowd of Indian-Americans, estimated by Mr Trump at around 50,000, chanted “USA! USA!” as the two leaders addressed the crowd in an auditorium decked with American and Indian flags.
There are an estimated 2.4 million Indian immigrants living in the United States, of whom 45 per cent have taken US citizenship.
Mr Trump ushered Mr Modi onto the stage, describing him as “a great man, a great leader”.
In turn Mr Modi. who spoke in Hindi, paid a fulsome tribute to his host, describing Mr Trump as as a “very special person” who “needs no introduction.”
Mr Modi added, “His name is familiar to every person on the planet.
“His name comes up in almost every conversation in the world on global politics.
"He was a household name and very popular even before he went on to occupy the highest office in this great country.”
Mr Modi, who was hosting the rally, said Mr Trump was popular across the world.
“From CEO to Commander in Chief. From boardroom to the Oval Office. From Studio to the Global Stage.
“He has left a deep and lasting impact everywhere. Today he is here with us.”
The Indian premier heaped praise on Mr Trump, highlighting what he described as his “resolve to make America great again.”
The Houston event was, Mr Modi added, a celebration of the two greatest democracies in the world.
Mr Trump in turn was unstinting in his praise for Indians who had settled in the US.
He told the crowd, "You are proud to be Americans and we are truly proud to have you as Americans... you have never had a better friend as president than President Donald Trump."
