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Houston, Sep 23 (IANS): Describing the changing scenario of the Indian economy and the targets set by the government at the 'Howdy, Modi!' event here on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of cheap data prices in the country, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the target of $5 trillion economy.
He also said that in the last five years, the country's GDP growth has in an unprecedented manner averaged around 7.5 per cent.
Addressing the 50,000 strong Indian-American community at the NRG Stadium here with US President Donald Trump in the audience, Modi said: "Data is the new gold... The focus of Industry 4.0 is totally on data. It is India where data prices are the cheapest in the world and 1 GB data is available for 25-30 cents."
"Low-cost data is becoming the new identity of digital India, and is also redefining governance in the country," he said.
On the easing of the taxation system in India, the Prime Minister said that previously the web of taxes used to create obstacles for businesses in the country, but with the implementation of GST, the government has simplified the tax system.
He further noted that tax refunds have also become swifter and people receive refunds within 24 hours now, compared to 2-3 weeks previously.
"This time on August 31, in one day nearly 50 lakh people e-filed their income tax returns," Modi added.
He also talked about the inflation rate and growth and said that the country has entered a phase in which it is witnessing low inflation and low fiscal deficit along with high economic growth.
Describing India as one of the best FDI destinations, he said: "During 2014-2019, FDI inflow nearly doubled. The government recently eased FDI norms in single brand retail and also approved 100 per cent FDI investment in coal mining and contract manufacturing."
The Prime Minister also mentioned that CEOs of the energy majors he met in the US were happy about the recent announcement of cut in corporate tax in India.
"Energy sector CEOs are very happy and enthusiastic. There feedback is that corporate tax cut has sent a positive message to the global business leaders along with domestic businesses. This decision will make India more competitive globally," he said.
Emphasising that India has decided to become a $5 trillion economy, the Prime Minister said the country's journey towards a $5 trillion economy and the "strong" economic growth of the US under the leadership of President Trump would add new wings to the possibilities and hopes of growth and prosperity.
He further hoped that his upcoming meetings with the American President would lead to "positive results".
"I will have talks with President Trump in the next 2-3 days. I hope in these meetings too there will be positive results," he said.
Praising the US President, Modi said: "President Trump calls me a tough negotiator, but he himself has mastered the 'art of the deal' and I am learning a lot from him."
Trump, while addressing the audience before Modi, said that the US is on its way to increase exports to India.
"We are working to expand American exports to India, one of the fastest growing markets...We are committed to ensure that Indian people have access to the finest goods in the world, products stamped with the beautiful phrase 'Made in the USA'," he said.
He further said: "Yesterday we were thrilled to hear about Indian company Petronet's pledge to purchase up to 5 million tonne of LNG per year from the US, which will lead to billions of dollars of LNG exports to India in the coming years."
Trump also noted that over the last one year, crude oil exports to India grew over 400 per cent.
He also said that Indian companies are investing in the US in an unprecedented manner and the US welcomed it.
PM Modi targets Pak over terror, J&K with Trump listening
Houston, Sep 23 (IANS): With US President Donald Trump listening keenly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India had bid "farewell" to Article 370 that went against people-centric development in Jammu and Kashmir and attacked Pakistan for making hatred towards India the hub of its governance and for fostering terrorism.
Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's meeting with President Trump likely on Monday, Modi said that India's neighbour is the breeding ground of terrorism, from 9/11 attacks in the US and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the entire world is aware about the source of the terror.
"What India has done (revoking Article 370), there are some people who have trouble over it, they are themselves unable to even take care of their own country," he said, targeting Pakistan that has been attacking India over revocation of special status to Kashmir.
"They have made hatred towards India the centerpiece of their governance. They want 'ashanti' (disturbance). 'Woh atank to paltey hain, postey hain' (they are the breeding ground of terror), the whole world knows them, 9/11 or 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
"The time has come for a definite fight against terrorism. I want to state with emphasis that in this fight President Trump is with us strongly in the fight against terrorism, and he has shown his determination to fight against terrorism," PM Modi said, and asked the audience to stand up and give a standing ovation to the US President.
The entire audience of 50,000 stood up and applauded in unison.
Raising the issue of the revocation of Article 370, with Pakistan set to raise it in the UN General Assembly, Modi said that for the past 70 years it was proving to be a hamper to development.
"For 70 years, it was proving a big challenge that India has given a farewell to. It kept people away from the benefits of development, and from equality, and it was being used by separatists. And the Constitution that is for the rest of India is now also for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. All the discrimination that women, children and Dalits were facing, has been ended."
Modi said the legislation for the purpose was passed with two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, including the upper house where his government did not have majority, and the proceedings were telecast.
He asked the entire cheering audience to give a standing ovation to the Parliament for its move. "I want all of you to give a standing ovation for this," he said and the 50,000 crowd of Indian-Americans stood up, cheering and chanting "Modi, Modi", as the US President and a host of US Congressmen watched.
The standing ovation was also a move to bring home to the US President and the Congressmen the wide support that the revocation of special status in Kashmir enjoys.
Earlier reports
America's greatest friend PM Modi, doing excellent job in India: Trump
Houston, Sep 23 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "America's greatest, most devoted, and loyal friend" and backed him in his governance, saying that PM Modi is "doing a truly excellent job in India and for all the Indian people".
President Trump in his speech, after PM Modi welcomed him to speak, calling him "my friend, a friend of India, the great American President Donald Trump, also appealed to the four-million strong Indian American community to vote for him, saying he was the best US president for strengthening India-US ties.
"PM Modi and I have come to Houston to celebrate everything that binds the US and India, our shared dreams and bright future," he said at the Howdy Modi event, and addressing the Indian American vote bank, he said: "Also I come to offer my profound gratitude to the nearly four million Indian Americans."
Praising the Indian diaspora's contribution, he said "they enrich our culture, uphold our values, uplift our communities, you are truly proud to be American, and we are truly proud to have you as American," he said, adding that his administration is working to make things easier for them.
Appealing for their votes, he said: "If we are elected, India will have a true and great friend in the White House, and I can tell you that you have never had a better friend as president than President Donald Trump."
"That I can tell you. The PM knows that," he said, indicating PM Modi, who in his speech had said "Abki bar Trump sarkar", in a tacit backing for Trump for re-election.
He said that the relations between India and the US are stronger than ever before. "The ties between our two nations are grounded in our common values and our shared commitment to democracy."
"Under PM Modi's leadership the world is witnessing a strong, driving and thriving republic of India," he said.
"And PM Modi is doing a truly excellent job in India and for all of the Indian people,a he said, adding that it was "an immense privilege to be with him today at this most profoundly historic event".
"Both India and the US also understand that to keep our communities safe we must protect our borders," he said, adding that through screening and vetting of applications, "those who threatened our security are denied" entry. "Border security is vital to the US and border security is vital to India, we understand that."
On the close bilateral bonds, he said: "We are strengthening our cherished bonds with India and proving our power of democracy and the unlimited potential of free people. Together we will continue to deepen the ties between our nations. The US and India will make our nations stronger, our people wealthier, our dreams bigger and our future brighter than ever before.
Ending his speech, he said: "I want to especially thank a great man, a great leader, a leader of India, PM Modi, my friend. God bless you all, God bless India, and God bless America."
'Abki bar Trump Sarkar': PM Modi heaps praise on friend Trump
Houston, Sep 22 (IANS): "Abki bar, Trump sarkar". Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a tacit backing for US President Donald Trump who is seeking re-election, and said his presence on the stage with him signaled the close partnership between the two nations.
"This morning we have a very special person with us, he needs no introduction. His name is familiar to every person on the planet. His name comes up in almost every conversation on global politics, his every word is followed by tens of millions," said Modi, with President Trump listening and smiling.
"He was a household name and very popular even before he went to occupy the highest office in this great country,"
"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. Today he is here with us, and it is my honour and privilege to welcome him here in this magnificent stadium and magnificent gathering.
"And I can say I had a chance to meet him often and everytime I found the friendliness, warmth and energy of the President of the USA, Donald Trump. This is extraordinary, this is unprecedented... Friends, as I told you we have met a few times and every time he has been the same warm, friendly accessible, energetic and full of wit.
"I admire him, for something more, his sense of leadership, a passion for America, a concern for every American, a belief in the American future, and a strong resolve to make America great again.
"And he has already made the American economy strong again. He has achieved much for the US and for the world. Friends, we in India have connected well with America.
"The words of President Trump, 'Ab Ki Baar Trump Sarkar', rang loud and clear," said PM Modi, pausing strategically, after saying "Abki Baar Trump Sarkar".
He said the US President's presence on the stage was a testimony to the strong friendship between their two countries.
"This morning in Houston, you can hear the heartbeat of this great partnership in the celebration of the two largest democracies. You can feel the strength and depth of the human bonds, between our two great nations.
"People are at the heart of the relations, from Houston to Hyderabad, from Boston to Bengaluru, from Chicago to Shimla, from Los Angele to Ludhiana, from New Jersey to New Delhi, hundreds of millions are glued to their TV, even though it is rather late on a Sunday night in India.
"Millions around the world in different time zones are with us today, they are witnessing history in the making.
"Mr President, you had introduced me to your family in 2017, and today I have the honour to introduce you to my family," Modi said to loud cheers.
"Over a billion Indians and people of Indian heritage around the globe, ladies and gentlemen I present to you my friend, a friend of India, a great American President Mr Donald Trump."
Thank you Houston for such amazing affection, says PM Modi
Houston , Sep 22 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked Houston for its "amazing" welcome and affection for the 'Howdy, Modi!' event organised at the NRG stadium here where over 50,000 gathered to greet him and US President Donald Trump.
"Thank you Houston for such amazing affection! #HowdyModi," PMO tweeted.
The PMO also posted a video when the Prime Minister arrived at the dias before an estimated 50,000 strong crowd of Indian-Americans at the NRG stadium for the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in a rare gesture that signifies the close bond between India and the US.
The event being held at the NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, has been organised by the Texas India Forum (TIF), a non-profit organisation.
Modi is in Houston on the second of his seven-day visit to the US.
Festival-like atmosphere at NRG stadium for 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston
Houston, Sep 22 (IANS): A festival-like atmosphere pervaded the NRG stadium as thousands of members of the Indian diaspora gathered for the 'Howdy, Modi!' event on Sunday to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and listen to his address.
Indian men and women dressed in colourful traditional attire hailing from different parts of India, including Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat, were gathering for the three-hour event, which will also see US President Donald Trump share the stage with Modi in a special gesture.
The beating of drums, cheering and shouts of "Modi, Modi" went up from among the crowd. Around 50,000 members of the Indian diaspora are expected to attend the 'Howdy, Modi!' event, for which tickets were sold out many weeks ago.
The event being held at the NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, has been organised by the Texas India Forum (TIF), a non-profit organisation.
"The energy in the stadium is palpable as the crowd awaits Prime Minister Modi's address," TIF tweeted ahead of the event that has the theme 'Shared Dreams Brighter Futures'.
It said the Indian-American community has turned out in full force for the event. "Community members have travelled from across the country to be a part of this historic event," it said.
Pranav Desai, 'Howdy, Modi!' organiser and founder of the Voice of Specially Abled People, said that thousands of volunteers are working for the event. "Proud of our PM's commitment for making our country great again," he said.
Many young Indian-Americans have painted Indian and US flags on their faces.
The Indian-American community has been busy preparing for the three-hour show that will see artistes present Indian classical and folk songs and dances, among other numbers.
More than a 1,000 Gujaratis from Houston are preparing for a mega 'dandiya', a traditional Gujarati dance, to welcome the Prime Minister for the event.
TIF spokesperson Gitesh Desai said that Indian-Americans from across the US are attending the 'historical event'.
"Some 50,0000 attendees from the Indian-American communities and people from the 48 states are attending the show. It is going to be a historical event, the largest such event held for a democratically elected head of state. No such programme has been held in the US in the past. Senators, Congressmen, Mayors and US President Donald Trump are going to attend ther event," said Gitesh Desai.
Several cultural programmes are on the anvil for the show, which has a theme 'Woven', signifying how the Indian-American community has become part of America, he said.
He added that more than 100 buses are being provided to ferry the participants.
Massive billboards have come up near the NRG Stadium and across Houston with messages of welcome for Modi, who arrived here on Saturday for a week-long visit to the US.
A car rally was also organised in Houston on Friday, ahead of the 'Howdy, Modi!' event.
Will be a great day in Texas to be with friend Modi: Trump
As he prepared to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the mega 'Howdy, Modi!' event here on Sunday, US President Donald Trump tweeted that he would be in Houston to be with his friend Modi.
"Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas!", Trump tweeted.
Trump will join Modi on the dais before an estimated 50,000 strong crowd of Indian-Americans at the NRG stadium for the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in a rare gesture that signifies the close bond between India and the US.
Modi arrived in Houston on Saturday, the first stop in his week-long trip to the US that will also see him address the United Nations General Assembly.
On Saturday, Modi held a roundtable with 16 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of oil producing companies in Houston, the hub of oil and gas in the US, which saw both sides further strengthen their cooperation in energy security.