Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested Indians living across the world on Sunday to send at least five non-Indian families to India as tourists every year. Addressing a gathering of members of the Indian community, he said, “Can you do something for me? It is a small request. I am saying this to all Indians living all over the world. You take a decision that every year, each one of you will send at least five non-Indian families to India as tourists.”
The prime minister said this after unveiling the plaque of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Eternal Gandhi Museum, inauguration of the Gujarati Samaj of Houston Event Centre and a Siddhi Vinayak temple.
Earlier in the day, in a grand show of friendship and common vision, Prime Minister Modi shared the stage with US President Donald Trump at the gala "Howdy, Modi!" event held at the sprawling NRG Stadium in Texas. The two leaders pledged to fight terrorism while heaping praise on each other's achievements.
The event turned out to be a huge diplomatic victory for Modi. He managed to attract the world's attention and increased his stature with his close rapport with Trump. Trump did not use his official podium with the official seal, but spoke from behind one that had India and US flags on it. Trump also did not bring up the issue of Kashmir.
PM Modi also underscored his government's push for development in India, saying it is the most "discussed" word in the country as his government is "aiming high and achieving higher". He said the presence of such a big gathering is not confined to arithmetic and that people are seeing new history and chemistry being made.
Modi described in detail his efforts towards clean India campaign and sanitation. He also spoke about his fight against corruption.