'Howdy Modi' event embraces Trump with big cheer
Tens of thousands of Indian-Americans packed into a Houston stadium Sunday for a rally with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by U.S. President Donald Trump, in a rare mass show of support for a foreign leader on U.S. soil.
The event gives Modi, a nationalist facing international criticism over a recent crackdown in disputed Kashmir, a chance to energize his relationship with Indian-Americans who are active political supporters.
Trump also confirmed an upcoming joint U.S.-India military exercise called Tiger Triumph.
Modi's visit to Houston comes ahead of this week's U.N. General Assembly in New York and amid a particularly tense time on the subcontinent.
The Indian leader further strained long-simmering relations with Pakistan last month by revoking the partial autonomy enjoyed by Muslim-majority Kashmir, which both nuclear-armed countries claim. Modi's move has been met by international criticism.
Pakistan has condemned the crackdown and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan warned it would drive more of the world's Muslims into extremism.
Members of India's religious minority Sikh and Muslim groups are planning noisy gatherings near the stadium to protest Modi's Kashmir policy.
The U.S.-India relationship on trade and tariffs is rocky, though Trump and Modi appear to have strong personal ties.
