“Howdy Modi” In Houston

A Big Push to India-US Relations.

- Ashok Sajjanhar

IN A truly historic and unprecedented move, US President Donald Trump decided to share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the mega ‘’Howdy Modi’’ event organised by the Indian Diaspora in Houston to felicitate the Indian leader. This clearly demonstrated the increasing political and economic influence of the Indian community in the United States. Their clout has continued to grow as they have started to increasingly engage in political activities in the country. Indian community is well-regarded and respected because of its industriousness, high education levels, strong value base, commitment, skills and discipline. These attributes have brought them to the highest level of prosperity not only amongst the foreign communities but also in comparison to the home-based American professionals and entrepreneurs. The Indian community is not the largest in terms of numbers of immigrant Diasporas in America accounting for less than one per cent of the total US population. Their prestige and weight however far exceed their numbers as was amply reflected in the fact that for the first time a US president decided to appear on the same platform with a foreign leader. The impeccable and flawless manner in which the event was conducted was a matter of great credit for the organisers. The joint appearance of the two leaders on the same rostrum also spoke volumes about the high level and rapid expansion of the India-US bilateral partnership.