India has a true friend in the White House, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while welcoming the US President Donald Trump at the 'Howdy Modi event on Sunday.
The community summit organized at the NRG stadium is first of its scale being held in honour of Modi. The Indian PM is currently in the United States on a week-long official trip to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other engagements.
"It's extraordinary, it's unprecedented. We've met a few times, and every time he's been the same warm, friendly, energetic and accessible. I also admire him for his sense of leadership and passion for America, a concern for every American, a belief in America's future, and a strong determination to ' Make America Great Again, '" Modi told the 50,000-strong crowd, with a smiling Trump standing beside him.
"We in India have connected well with President Trump, the words of candidate Trump, 'Ab ki baar Trump sarkar', rang loud and clear," he said, referring to a viral video from 2016 where Trump can be heard saying the slogan.
"From CEO to Commander-in-Chief, from board rooms to the Oval Office, from studios to the global stage, from politics to the economy and security, he has left a deep and lasting impact everywhere," the Indian leader added.
Modi was given the key to Houston by Mayor Sylvester Turner after he reached the venue on Sunday.
A bipartisan congressional delegation welcomed the leader on stage, with the crowd chanting "Modi! Modi!". He won hearts by bowing to the gathered Indian-American community, which roared with appreciation in return.
( With inputs from ANI )