Modi leaves for US, hails a ‘new milestone’ in ties

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump’s presence at the “Howdy Modi!” event in Houston will be a “new milestone” in India-US ties and the two nations can contribute to building a more peaceful and stable world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.

“Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world,” Modi said in a statement shortly before leaving for a week-long visit to the US.

This is the first time a US President will attend an IndianAmerican community event with him, Modi said. More than 50,000 Indian-Americans are expected to attend the “Howdy Modi!” event in Houston, Texas, on Sunday.

Modi will meet Trump twice — in Houston on September 22 and at a bilateral meeting in New York on September 24, the first day of the annual UN General Assembly meet — boosting bilateral ties at a time when Pakistan is attempting to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UN.

“We will review our bilateral relations in order to bring even more benefits to our two nations and people. The US is a vital partner for our national development, with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation, and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security,” Modi said.

The statement came a day after Trump hinted, without giving specifics, that there “could” be some announcements at the Houston event.

In Houston, Modi will interact with chief executive officers (CEO) of leading US energy firms at a time when India is seeking to diversify its energy sources. “Energy has emerged as a new area of mutually beneficial cooperation and is fast becoming an important facet of our bilateral relationship,” he said.

Modi said at the UN General Assembly, he will reiterate New Delhi’s commitment to reformed multilateralism, which is responsive, effective and inclusive, and in which India plays a due role. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to raise the Kashmir issue in the aftermath of India’s revocation of the state’s special status, Indian officials said Modi will focus on India’s role in shaping a new world order during his numerous bilateral and multilateral engagements in Houston and New York.

MODI WILL MEET TRUMP TWICE — IN HOUSTON ON SEPTEMBER 22 AND AT A BILATERAL MEETING IN NEW YORK ON SEPTEMBER 24