Howdy Modi Is Bringing Together Indian Americans: Tulsi Gabbard

Why did Tulsi Gabbard say Namaste and sorry to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the same time? Well, Modi is visiting the US at the “Howdy Modi!” event scheduled to be held in Houston on September 22. US congresswoman Gabbard went on to share a video message on Thursday welcoming the Prime Minister to the United States. “Namaste! I would like to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi on his latest visit to the US and I am sorry that I will not be able to join there in person due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events. I am really glad to see so many Indian Americans from all across our country as well as colleagues from Congress coming together there,” she said in a video message.

Key Takeaways:

• Tulsi Gabbard, the first Indian-origin woman candidate for US presidential elections, has sent a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a video message. He is visiting to US for the 'Howdy Modi' event.
• US congresswoman Gabbard apologised to Modi because she won't be able to meet him in person due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events.
• Earlier in a tweet, Gabbard had informed that though she will not be able to attend the event but hopes to meet Prime Minister Modi during his US visit.

Gabbard, the first Indian-origin woman candidate for US presidential elections, has a close relationship with Modi. He had earlier sent gifts on her wedding in 2015 and she was present at both his previous diaspora outreach events in New York and San Jose.

“I’m very happy to see that Howdy Modi is bringing together Indian Americans and Hindu Americans from across our country, including many of my colleagues in the U.S. Congress.” said Gabbard.

“I’m very happy to see that Howdy Modi is bringing together Indian Americans and Hindu Americans from across our country, including many of my colleagues in the U.S. Congress.” said Gabbard.

She believed that India is one of US' most important partners in the Asia-Pacific region. “India is the world’s oldest and largest democracy, and one of the United States most important allies. The Unites States and India must work closely together if we are to address the pressing issues that impact our nations, our countries, and the entire world—such as combating climate change, preventing nuclear war and nuclear proliferation, and improving the economic well-being of our people,” she said.

Talking about building a stronger growth, Gabbard said, “So as we build a strong and lasting partnership between our two nations focusing on areas of growth, wealth and opportunity and equality, science, health, environment, security and counter-terrorism, we can bring about the idea of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam” recognising that everyone on our planet, we are all one family. There is no place for hate, bigotry, ignorance and prejudice.”

The US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi will be attending the mega “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, sharing the stage where more than 50,000 Indian-Americans will be addressed.

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Feature Image Credit: BuzzFeed News

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