PM Modi and US President Trump shared the stage at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Houston on Sunday, in Houston. After addressing the Indian diaspora at the NRG stadium. Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump addressed the much-awaited community event where over 50,000 people were in attendance. Interestingly, the issues of Kashmir and the abrogation of Article 370 did not feature in the event. However, the menace of the ‘Radical Islamic terrorism’ became the main talking point of the event as both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi emphasised on acting against the terror apparatus operating from countries like Pakistan.
Throughout the event, US President Donald Trump did not even mention the issue of ‘Kashmir’ at the ‘Howdy Modi!’ event. Interestingly, he referred to issues of border security and recognised India’s right to protect itself just like the rights of the USA to protect its borders.
“Both India and the United States also understand that to keep our communities safe, we must protect our borders,” the President said during his address at the NRG Stadium here.
The decision of Donald Trump not to bring up the issue of abrogation of Article 370 or Kashmir, an internal issue of India holds extreme importance to the ties between two countries as the USA now considers Kashmir to be a non-issue between the two countries. Further, the comments made by Donald Trump on border security also indicates that the USA understands the security concerns of India, particularly emanating from Kashmir.
The overlooking of Kashmir issue in the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event is another embarrassment for Pakistan as it had unsuccessfully tried raking up the matter internationally, even as India has reiterated time and again that its move in J&K is entirely a matter of its internal affairs.
President Donald Trump also outlined that both India and the United States are committed to protecting innocent civilians from “Radical Islamic terrorism”. He received a standing ovation from the crowd, which also included Prime Minister Narendra Modi in whose honour the event was held.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, used the opportunity to expose the nefarious terror policy of Pakistan as he launched a full-frontal attack on the terror-state without even mentioning them. With US President Donald Trump seated in front of him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism in India and across the world, telling the world that the time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism.
“India’s decision on Article 370 has troubled some people, who can’t handle their country, who support terrorism. Where do you find conspirators of 9/11 and 26/11 terror attacks; time for the decisive battle against terrorism,” he said in a veiled attack on Pakistan.