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Tulsi Gabbard welcomes Modi in US, says won't be able to attend Howdy Modi

The mega event is believed to be one of the largest events to welcome a foreign head of government ever in the history of the United States

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ANI US
3 min read Last Updated : Sep 20 2019 | 6:41 PM IST
Extending a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his upcoming visit to the United States, Democratic leader Tulsi Gabbard apologised for not being able to join the 'Howdy Modi!' event scheduled to be held in Houston on September 22.

Gabbard, who is one of the Democratic contenders for the US Presidential elections next year, clarified that she won't be able to attend the event due to prior commitments related to her scheduled presidential campaigns.

"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. 

Terming India as US' one of the most important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, she 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."

Invoking the age-old principle of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam", 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."

Earlier in a tweet, Gabbard had informed that while she will not be able to attend the event, she hoped to meet Prime Minister Modi during his US visit.

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Referring to an article, she tweeted, "This article is misinformed. I'm not attending the Houston event due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events. However, I'm hoping to meet PM Modi on his visit to discuss the importance of maintaining the strong partnership of the world's oldest & largest democracies."

The White House had confirmed that US President Donald Trump will be making a joint appearance with Prime Minister Modi at the "Howdy Modi!" event in Houston.

The mega event is believed to be one of the largest events to welcome a foreign head of government ever in the history of the United States.

In the US, it will mark the first time that the two leaders would meet outside of either Washington DC or New York, where the United Nations is headquartered.

Over 50,000 people have already registered for the event, which will be hosted by the Texas India Forum.

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Topics :Howdy Modi

First Published: Sep 20 2019 | 5:45 AM IST

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