Indo-US Relations On Upward Trajectory, Says Jaishankar, Hails Trump's Decision To Attend 'Howdy Modi'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who was speaking on 100 days of his ministry since May, on Tuesday, hailed United States President Donald Trump's decision to accept Indian Community's invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston on September 22. Modi will be on a six-day visit to the US, beginning September 22.

Terming this as a great achievement of the Indo-US community, Jaishankar said, "If you have someone like the President (Trump) coming there, this shows where the community has reached, how it is regarded in the US ... we will welcome him (Trump) in the warmest possible manner". Asked what message will Trump’s presence at the Modi event send to Pakistan, the external affairs minister said it depends on Pakistan how they read.

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On Indo-US relations, the minister said the "trajectory" has been "upwards" amid various administrations in Washington, be it Bush, Obama and now Trump. Responding to a question on commerce, he said the trade problem between the two countries is "normal".

"As relationship grows, there will be problems ... the only way you don't have trade problems is when you do not trade," he said referring to the trade relations between the two nations.

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The September 22 affair at Houston will be third such event when Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering in partnership with the Indian diaspora abroad. In 2015, Modi addressed events in San Jose and Madison Square in New York in 2014.