Tulsi Gabbard, a member of the Democratic Party of the United States, welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be in US for his ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event scheduled to be held in Houston on September 22.
While warmly welcoming the prime minister, Gabbard also apologised for not being able to attend the event due to prior commitments related to her presidential campaigns in Iowa.
“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,” Tulsi Gabbard said in a video message.
Urging India and US to work closely together, Tulsi Gabbard further said, “India is the world’s largest democracy and one of the most important partners of US in the Asia-Pacific region. Our two nations must continue to work closely together if we are to address the pressing issues that impact us and the world, issues like combating climate change, preventing nuclear war and nuclear proliferation and improving the economic well being of our people.”
Further in her video message, Gabbard mentions Sanskrit phase ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’, which means “the world is one family”, she goes on to say, “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. Let us work together to usher in 21st century of aloha. Respect, care and love for other no matter a race, religion, ethnicity, caste, economic status or political affiliation.”
PM Modi will be travelling to the United States to speak at the UN General Assembly. But before visiting the United Nations headquarters in New York, he will address an event in Houston, which will also be attended by US president Donald Trump.
The White House had earlier confirmed that Trump will be making a joint appearance with PM Modi at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event.
