US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he discussed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son in a call with Ukraine's president.

Trump's statement to reporters about his July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came as the Democratic leader of a key congressional panel said the pursuit of Trump's impeachment may be the "only remedy" to the situation.

Trump's call with Zelensky has been at the center of an escalating battle in Washington since Friday when news outlets reported that Trump repeatedly asked the Ukrainian leader to investigate whether Biden, the Democratic front-runner to take on Trump in next year's election, misused his position when he was vice president.

Trump told reporters at the White House that their phone conversation was mostly congratulatory but also touched on corruption and the Bidens.

"The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, with large corruption, all of the corruption taking place and largely the fact that we don't want our people like Vice President Biden and his son creating to the corruption already in Ukraine," Trump said.

Democrats have said that if Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Biden, it is tantamount to promoting foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Trump has denied doing anything improper. His allies, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have defended the president's phone call, which, according to news reports, was the subject of a complaint made by an as-yet-unnamed whistleblower.

If an investigation shows that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden, the US Congress may have no choice but to pursue impeachment, Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Sunday.

Schiff had previously shied away from calling for impeachment, but his comments on CNN's "State of the Union" showed his stance had shifted.

"If the president is essentially withholding military aid at the same time that he is trying to browbeat a foreign leader to do something illicit, to provide dirt on his opponent during a presidential campaign, then that may be the only remedy that is co-equal to the evil that conduct represents," Schiff said.

Other legislators have called for the Democratic leadership to pursue impeachment immediately, but Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has so far resisted calls to formally begin the process.

In a letter to colleagues later on Sunday, Pelosi warned the administration against keeping the details of the whistleblower complaint secret. The administration has so far resisted sharing the details of the complaint with lawmakers.

"If the administration persists in blocking this whistleblower from disclosing to Congress a serious possible breach of constitutional duties by the president, they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation," Pelosi wrote.

Romney voices concerns

Senator Mitt Romney, who has clashed with Trump in the past, sounded a rare note of concern among Trump's fellow Republicans, many of whom have remained silent, defended Trump or escalated their attacks on Biden in the days after the reports about the Trump-Zelensky call.

"If the President asked or pressured Ukraine’s president to investigate his political rival, either directly or through his personal attorney, it would be troubling in the extreme," Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, said in a Twitter post.

Impeachment proceedings in Congress, which begin in the House, can lead to a president being removed from office, but Democrats would need the support of Republicans, who control the Senate.

Multiple news organizations reported on Friday that Trump repeatedly asked Zelensky to investigate whether Biden misused his position as vice president under Democratic President Barack Obama to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into a gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired.

Biden has confirmed he wanted the prosecutor fired but denies it was to help his son. Biden said the wider US government, the European Union and other international institutions also wanted the prosecutor fired for his alleged failure to pursue major corruption cases.

Biden said on Saturday there should be an investigation into Trump's call, saying it "appears to be an overwhelming abuse of power." He said he never spoke to his son about Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he discussed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son in a call with Ukraine's president. Trump's statement to reporters about his July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came as the Democratic leader of a key congressional panel said the pursuit of Trump's impeachment may be the "only remedy" to the situation.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he discussed Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son in a call with Ukraine's president. Trump's statement to reporters about his July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came as the Democratic leader of a key congressional panel said the pursuit of Trump's impeachment may be the "only remedy" to the situation. Trump's call with Zelensky has been at the center of an escalating battle in Washington since Friday when news outlets reported that Trump repeatedly asked the Ukrainian leader to investigate whether Biden, the Democratic front-runner to take on Trump in next year's election, misused his position when he was vice president. Trump told reporters at the White House that their phone conversation was mostly congratulatory but also touched on corruption and the Bidens. "The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, with large corruption, all of the corruption taking place and largely the fact that we don't want our people like Vice President Biden and his son creating to the corruption already in Ukraine," Trump said. Democrats have said that if Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Biden, it is tantamount to promoting foreign interference in the 2020 election. Trump has denied doing anything improper. His allies, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have defended the president's phone call, which, according to news reports, was the subject of a complaint made by an as-yet-unnamed whistleblower. If an investigation shows that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate Biden, the US Congress may have no choice but to pursue impeachment, Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said on Sunday. Schiff had previously shied away from calling for impeachment, but his comments on CNN's "State of the Union" showed his stance had shifted. "If the president is essentially withholding military aid at the same time that he is trying to browbeat a foreign leader to do something illicit, to provide dirt on his opponent during a presidential campaign, then that may be the only remedy that is co-equal to the evil that conduct represents," Schiff said. Other legislators have called for the Democratic leadership to pursue impeachment immediately, but Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has so far resisted calls to formally begin the process. In a letter to colleagues later on Sunday, Pelosi warned the administration against keeping the details of the whistleblower complaint secret. The administration has so far resisted sharing the details of the complaint with lawmakers. "If the administration persists in blocking this whistleblower from disclosing to Congress a serious possible breach of constitutional duties by the president, they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation," Pelosi wrote. Romney voices concerns Senator Mitt Romney, who has clashed with Trump in the past, sounded a rare note of concern among Trump's fellow Republicans, many of whom have remained silent, defended Trump or escalated their attacks on Biden in the days after the reports about the Trump-Zelensky call. "If the President asked or pressured Ukraine’s president to investigate his political rival, either directly or through his personal attorney, it would be troubling in the extreme," Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, said in a Twitter post. Impeachment proceedings in Congress, which begin in the House, can lead to a president being removed from office, but Democrats would need the support of Republicans, who control the Senate. Multiple news organizations reported on Friday that Trump repeatedly asked Zelensky to investigate whether Biden misused his position as vice president under Democratic President Barack Obama to threaten to withhold US aid unless a prosecutor who was looking into a gas company in which Biden's son was involved was fired. Biden has confirmed he wanted the prosecutor fired but denies it was to help his son. Biden said the wider US government, the European Union and other international institutions also wanted the prosecutor fired for his alleged failure to pursue major corruption cases. Biden said on Saturday there should be an investigation into Trump's call, saying it "appears to be an overwhelming abuse of power." He said he never spoke to his son about Ukraine.

Trump says he discussed Biden in call with Ukrainian president Zelensky

US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he discussed former vice president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-demands-trump-release-transcript-of-july-phone-call-with-ukrainian-president-250940">Joe Biden and corruption allegations</a> in a phone call with Ukraine's leader, adding to calls by Trump's opponents for his impeachment.

A whistleblower's complaint sparked off accusations that Trump had sought to persuade President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a son of Biden, Trump's possible 2020 election challenger -- raising concerns of dangerous foreign meddling in the US election similar to the interference blamed on Russia in 2016.

Trump said that the conversation, held in July, addressed alleged corruption involving Biden and his son Hunter, and he floated the possibility that a transcript could be released.

"We had a very great conversation, very straight, very honest conversation. I hope they can put it out," Trump said, repeating that he had done nothing wrong in the latest scandal to shake his presidency.

"The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, was largely corruption... and largely the fact that we don't want our people, like vice president Biden and his son, creating... the corruption already in Ukraine."

Trump reportedly pressed Zelensky about eight times on the call to investigate possible corruption involving Hunter Biden, who worked with a Ukrainian natural gas company while his father was vice president.

Biden told reporters on Saturday that Trump's actions appeared "to be an overwhelming abuse of power."

"I know what I'm up against, a serial abuser. That's what this guy is," Biden said.

Impeachment calls return

The Democratic Party has been split on whether to push for impeachment proceedings against Trump since he came to power in 2017.

But influential congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, on Sunday said that his own reservations about impeachment were fading over Trump's Ukraine call.

"We're talking about serious or flagrant abuse and a potential violation of the law," Schiff told CNN.

"I have been very reluctant to go down the path of impeachment (but) the president is pushing us down this road.

"This seems different in kind, and we may very well have crossed the Rubicon here."

The Ukraine scandal mushroomed last week when Schiff revealed the acting Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Maguire, had refused to hand over the whistleblower complaint to Congress -- the latest administration rebuff to Congressional oversight efforts.

Maguire is scheduled to publicly testify before Schiff's committee on Thursday.

Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Sunday that if Trump's administration continued to block the complaint being released "they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation."

The phone call, reportedly on July 25, came the day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about his report that catalogued extensive contacts between the Trump 2016 campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude -- neither of which is a specific crime.

It also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation, which Trump dismissed as a "big hoax".

Trump's senior staff swung behind him on Sunday. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN that "I don't have any reason to believe that the president pressured" President Zelensky.

"People know there were issues that Biden's son did business in Ukraine. I, for one, have concerns about that," Mnuchin said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told ABC that "if vice president Biden behaved inappropriately, if he was protecting his son and intervened in a way that was corrupt, I think we need to get to the bottom of it."

But Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a regular critic of Trump, said that any evidence of Trump asking Ukraine's president to investigate Biden "would be troubling in the extreme."

Trump and Zelensky will meet for the first time Wednesday at the UN General Assembly in New York.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he discussed former vice president Joe Biden and corruption allegations in a phone call with Ukraine's leader, adding to calls by Trump's opponents for his impeachment.

US President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that he discussed former vice president Joe Biden and corruption allegations in a phone call with Ukraine's leader, adding to calls by Trump's opponents for his impeachment. A whistleblower's complaint sparked off accusations that Trump had sought to persuade President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a son of Biden, Trump's possible 2020 election challenger -- raising concerns of dangerous foreign meddling in the US election similar to the interference blamed on Russia in 2016. Trump said that the conversation, held in July, addressed alleged corruption involving Biden and his son Hunter, and he floated the possibility that a transcript could be released. "We had a very great conversation, very straight, very honest conversation. I hope they can put it out," Trump said, repeating that he had done nothing wrong in the latest scandal to shake his presidency. "The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, was largely corruption... and largely the fact that we don't want our people, like vice president Biden and his son, creating... the corruption already in Ukraine." Trump reportedly pressed Zelensky about eight times on the call to investigate possible corruption involving Hunter Biden, who worked with a Ukrainian natural gas company while his father was vice president. Biden told reporters on Saturday that Trump's actions appeared "to be an overwhelming abuse of power." "I know what I'm up against, a serial abuser. That's what this guy is," Biden said. Impeachment calls return The Democratic Party has been split on whether to push for impeachment proceedings against Trump since he came to power in 2017. But influential congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, on Sunday said that his own reservations about impeachment were fading over Trump's Ukraine call. "We're talking about serious or flagrant abuse and a potential violation of the law," Schiff told CNN. "I have been very reluctant to go down the path of impeachment (but) the president is pushing us down this road. "This seems different in kind, and we may very well have crossed the Rubicon here." The Ukraine scandal mushroomed last week when Schiff revealed the acting Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Maguire, had refused to hand over the whistleblower complaint to Congress -- the latest administration rebuff to Congressional oversight efforts. Maguire is scheduled to publicly testify before Schiff's committee on Thursday. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Sunday that if Trump's administration continued to block the complaint being released "they will be entering a grave new chapter of lawlessness which will take us into a whole new stage of the investigation." The phone call, reportedly on July 25, came the day after former special counsel Robert Mueller testified before Congress about his report that catalogued extensive contacts between the Trump 2016 campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude -- neither of which is a specific crime. It also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation, which Trump dismissed as a "big hoax". Trump's senior staff swung behind him on Sunday. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNN that "I don't have any reason to believe that the president pressured" President Zelensky. "People know there were issues that Biden's son did business in Ukraine. I, for one, have concerns about that," Mnuchin said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told ABC that "if vice president Biden behaved inappropriately, if he was protecting his son and intervened in a way that was corrupt, I think we need to get to the bottom of it." But Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a regular critic of Trump, said that any evidence of Trump asking Ukraine's president to investigate Biden "would be troubling in the extreme." Trump and Zelensky will meet for the first time Wednesday at the UN General Assembly in New York.

As feud heats up, Donald Trump says Joe Biden was subject of Ukraine call

After the mega&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-security-vital-for-both-us-and-india-says-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251331">"Howdy Modi" event in Houston</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for New York on Sunday for the second leg of his US tour.

PM Modi, who addressed a 50,000 strong crowd of Indian Americans at the NRG stadium, left for New York where he will address the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27.

The Prime Minister will be addressing the General Assembly for the second time.

Apart from bilateral meetings with other delegations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Prime Minister will also meet the Indian community in New York outside the General Assembly Hall.

Watch: Howdy Modi Event - PM Modi slams Pakistan on terrorism

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During his speech at the UNGA, the Prime Minister will use the world forum to address many pressing issues such as climate change, employment, jobs, security, energy, and terrorism, unlike Pakistan's single-point agenda of Kashmir.

Before departing for New York, Modi shared the stage with US President Donald Trump to address the Indian diaspora at the 'Howdy, Mody!' event in Houston.

The two world leaders had touched upon various important issues of bilateral cooperation that further fuelled US-India friendship to new heights.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After the mega "Howdy Modi" event in Houston, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for New York on Sunday for the second leg of his US tour. PM Modi, who addressed a 50,000 strong crowd of Indian Americans at the NRG stadium, left for New York where he will address the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27.

After the mega "Howdy Modi" event in Houston, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for New York on Sunday for the second leg of his US tour. PM Modi, who addressed a 50,000 strong crowd of Indian Americans at the NRG stadium, left for New York where he will address the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27. The Prime Minister will be addressing the General Assembly for the second time. Apart from bilateral meetings with other delegations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Prime Minister will also meet the Indian community in New York outside the General Assembly Hall. Watch: Howdy Modi Event - PM Modi slams Pakistan on terrorism × During his speech at the UNGA, the Prime Minister will use the world forum to address many pressing issues such as climate change, employment, jobs, security, energy, and terrorism, unlike Pakistan's single-point agenda of Kashmir. Before departing for New York, Modi shared the stage with US President Donald Trump to address the Indian diaspora at the 'Howdy, Mody!' event in Houston. The two world leaders had touched upon various important issues of bilateral cooperation that further fuelled US-India friendship to new heights. (With inputs from agencies)

After 'Howdy, Modi', PM Modi departs for New York to attend 74th United Nations General Assembly

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-security-vital-for-both-us-and-india-says-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251331">'Howdy, Modi' event on Sunday in Houston</a>. During the event, both leaders pledged to further strengthen the India-US ties.

Addressing the mega event, Trump said that India has never invested in the United States like this before, assuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again that America is looking forward to work with India to make the world's two largest democracies prosperous than ever before.

Highlighting the trade partnership between both countries, President Trump said that the US welcomes India's growing investments in Houston.&nbsp;

"Nations around the world are investing in the US because they know we have the best economy and the best workers in the world. They have never invested in our country like ever before. It's reciprocal because we are doing the same thing in India," he added.

He also said that no other issue is more important for the two countries than energy security.

Watch: 'Howdy, Modi': Loud cheers as PM Modi mentions article 370

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Providing further details on the expansion of exports between the two countries, President Trump also stated that the two countries are working closely to expand American exports to India.

"Indians will now have more access to more advanced goods and the NBA basketball," he said.

Hailing PM Modi as a great leader, Trump also said that as a result of his pro-growth policies, India had lifted nearly 300 million out of poverty, and that was an incredible achievement.

"I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's greatest friend PM Modi of India. PM Modi is doing a great job for the people of India," he said.

Trump also outlined that both India and the United States are committed to protecting civilians from radical Islamic terrorism.&nbsp;

Sending a strong anti-terror message, Trump said, "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists." "In November, we will conduct a tri-service military exercise," the US president added.

"To keep our security safe we must protect our border. Border security is vital to the two countries."

(With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at 'Howdy, Modi' event on Sunday in Houston. During the event, both leaders pledged to further strengthen the India-US ties.

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at 'Howdy, Modi' event on Sunday in Houston. During the event, both leaders pledged to further strengthen the India-US ties. Addressing the mega event, Trump said that India has never invested in the United States like this before, assuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again that America is looking forward to work with India to make the world's two largest democracies prosperous than ever before. Highlighting the trade partnership between both countries, President Trump said that the US welcomes India's growing investments in Houston. "Nations around the world are investing in the US because they know we have the best economy and the best workers in the world. They have never invested in our country like ever before. It's reciprocal because we are doing the same thing in India," he added. He also said that no other issue is more important for the two countries than energy security. Watch: 'Howdy, Modi': Loud cheers as PM Modi mentions article 370 × Providing further details on the expansion of exports between the two countries, President Trump also stated that the two countries are working closely to expand American exports to India. "Indians will now have more access to more advanced goods and the NBA basketball," he said. Hailing PM Modi as a great leader, Trump also said that as a result of his pro-growth policies, India had lifted nearly 300 million out of poverty, and that was an incredible achievement. "I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's greatest friend PM Modi of India. PM Modi is doing a great job for the people of India," he said. Trump also outlined that both India and the United States are committed to protecting civilians from radical Islamic terrorism. Sending a strong anti-terror message, Trump said, "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists." "In November, we will conduct a tri-service military exercise," the US president added. "To keep our security safe we must protect our border. Border security is vital to the two countries." (With inputs from agencies)

Investment, border security, pro-growth policies: Donald Trump's speech at 'Howdy, Modi'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday new US sanctions, under which Iran's central bank was blacklisted for a second time, pointed to US "desperation" in face of the Iranian resistance.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday new US sanctions, under which Iran's central bank was blacklisted for a second time, pointed to US "desperation" in face of the Iranian resistance. The United States on Friday imposed another round of sanctions on Iran, including on its central bank which was already blacklisted, following the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities that Riyadh and US officials have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement in the attacks which was claimed by Yemen's Houthi movement, an Iran-aligned group fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war. "Americans are sanctioning institutions that have already been blacklisted. This signals America's complete desperation and shows that it's "maximum pressure" has failed...as the great Iranian nation has resisted successfully," Rouhani said in remarks carried by state television. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the United States aimed to avoid war with Iran and the additional troops ordered to be deployed in the Gulf region were for "deterrence and defence". But Rouhani said the situation had become "instense" in the region and blamed it on Washington. "The region has become instense...They make propaganda about damage (in Saudi ) which can be repaired in two weeks ... because America wants to conquer the region," Rouhani said. Rouhani said he would introduce a regional peace plan dubbed HOPE (Hormuz Peace Endeavour) at the United Nations General Assembly this week. "All countries of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and the United Nations are invited to join," Rouhani said before leaving for New York to attend the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.

Rouhani says Iran resists sanctions, drives US 'desperate'

President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the greatest friends of the United States and said he is doing a great job with the people of India.

President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the greatest friends of the United States and said he is doing a great job with the people of India. He also said that the ties between India and the US are stronger than ever. "I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's greatest friend PM Modi of India. PM Modi is doing a great job with the people of India, " Trump said while addressing Indian-Americans at 'Howdy Modi!' event in Houston. Live: 'Howdy, Modi': Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump Watch: Modi, Trump Bonhomie - Indian PM Modi praises Donald Trump × Speaking at the NRG stadium which is hosting the first of its kind event in honour of PM Modi, Trump also hinted that he might visit the country next month to witness India's first NBA game. "Very soon India will have access to another world-class American product - NBA basketball. Wow, sounds good. Next week thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come." Aftrer Trump, PM Modi also addressed the Indian-Americans community and invited Trump and his family to visit India. "Mr President Trump I want you to come to India, with your family. Our friendship will take our shared dreams and our vibrant future to new heights." Upon his arrival, Trump was welcomed by Modi who hailed the US President for his sense of leadership. Modi, in his style, vouched for Trump ahead of 2020 presidential polls, saying "ab ki baar Trump sarkar" - modifying the 'Ab ki Baar Modi sarkar' slogan coined for the 2014BJP election campaign. National Basketball Association (NBA) India on September 12 announced that the first-ever NBA game in the country will be organised in October in Mumbai. The NBA India Games 2019 will feature the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers who will play two pre-season games on October 4 and 5 at the Dome, NSCI, SVP Stadium in Mumbai. This will mark the first games that teams from a North American sports league will play in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Howdy, Modi!: US President Donald Trump hints he might visit India for NBA next month

Everything is fine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the&nbsp;leaders and Indian-American community gathered at the NRG Stadium in eight languages&nbsp;as he began his address.

"Because you've asked 'Howdy Modi!', my response is everything is fine in India," PM Modi said, continuing to reiterate the sentiment in about eight different languages including Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali, to name a few.

"Our various languages are an important identity of our liberal and democratic society," he said adding, "Diversity is the foundation of our vibrant democracy."&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi welcomed with 'Modi, Modi' Chants

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Addressing the&nbsp;Indian-Americans community, PM Modi&nbsp;said,&nbsp;on the second October when the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India will bid farewell to open defecation.

"In the last five years, we have bid farewell to 1500 archaic laws," PM Modi also said.

"We are also challenging corruption and giving it a farewell."&nbsp;

"India gave a farewell to Article 370," PM Modi said adding&nbsp;that it "denied Kashmiris their rights."

"Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-president-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-nrg-stadium-houston-251225">Live 'Howdy, Modi': Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump</a>

Referring to Pakistan, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Some people have a problem with the abrogation of article 370, these are the same people who can't govern their own country properly."

"These are the same people who shield terrorism and nurture it. The whole world knows them very well," PM Modi added.

The event was also attended by US President who addressing the mega-event after receiving a warm welcome by PM Modi,&nbsp;said that ties between India and America are stronger than ever.

"I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's greatest friend PM Modi of India. PM Modi is doing a great job with the people of India," he said.

Pitching for the US president PM Modi said, "We in India connected well with President Trump and with the words of candidate Trump, 'Ab ki baar Trump sarkar', rang loud and clear."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the key to Houston city upon his arrival at the `Howdy Modi! event here on Sunday.

The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presented a large, golden cut-out of the key to Modi, soon after he reached the venue.&nbsp;

The gesture was made in recognition of the exceptional relationship shared between the people of India and Houston.

The first of its kind event is being held in honour of Modi, who is currently on a week-long official trip to the United States to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other official engagements.

Reverberating with the praises for Prime Minister Modi, Houston's NRG stadium is all jam-packed with enthusiastic India-Americans as the audience.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Everything is fine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the leaders and Indian-American community gathered at the NRG Stadium in eight languages as he began his address.

Everything is fine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the leaders and Indian-American community gathered at the NRG Stadium in eight languages as he began his address. "Because you've asked 'Howdy Modi!', my response is everything is fine in India," PM Modi said, continuing to reiterate the sentiment in about eight different languages including Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali, to name a few. "Our various languages are an important identity of our liberal and democratic society," he said adding, "Diversity is the foundation of our vibrant democracy." Watch: PM Modi welcomed with 'Modi, Modi' Chants × Addressing the Indian-Americans community, PM Modi said, on the second October when the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India will bid farewell to open defecation. "In the last five years, we have bid farewell to 1500 archaic laws," PM Modi also said. "We are also challenging corruption and giving it a farewell." "India gave a farewell to Article 370," PM Modi said adding that it "denied Kashmiris their rights." "Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights." Live 'Howdy, Modi': Several defence deals in the works between US, India, says Trump Referring to Pakistan, PM Modi said, "Some people have a problem with the abrogation of article 370, these are the same people who can't govern their own country properly." "These are the same people who shield terrorism and nurture it. The whole world knows them very well," PM Modi added. The event was also attended by US President who addressing the mega-event after receiving a warm welcome by PM Modi, said that ties between India and America are stronger than ever. "I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's greatest friend PM Modi of India. PM Modi is doing a great job with the people of India," he said. Pitching for the US president PM Modi said, "We in India connected well with President Trump and with the words of candidate Trump, 'Ab ki baar Trump sarkar', rang loud and clear." Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the key to Houston city upon his arrival at the `Howdy Modi! event here on Sunday. The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presented a large, golden cut-out of the key to Modi, soon after he reached the venue. The gesture was made in recognition of the exceptional relationship shared between the people of India and Houston. The first of its kind event is being held in honour of Modi, who is currently on a week-long official trip to the United States to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other official engagements. Reverberating with the praises for Prime Minister Modi, Houston's NRG stadium is all jam-packed with enthusiastic India-Americans as the audience.

'Howdy, Modi': 'Everything is fine,' PM Narendra Modi tells Indian diaspora in eight languages

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diversity-foundation-of-our-vibrant-democracy-says-pm-modi-at-howdy-modi-251322">Indian diaspora </a>in Houston's "Howdy, Modi" event in the presence of US President Trump.

Reassuring the Indian-American community, PM Modi charmed the audience of 50,000 Indian-Americans saying, "everything is fine" in almost eight languages.

"Because you've asked 'Howdy Modi!', my response is everything is fine in India," PM Modi said, continuing to reiterate the sentiment in about eight different languages including Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali, to name a few. 
&nbsp; 
Often hailed as a people's leader, PM Modi spoke about various issues including sanitation, data affordability, ease of business and highlighted the progress made during his tenure.

"In the last five years, we have bid farewell to 1,500 archaic laws," PM Modi told the crowd at Houston.

"We are also challenging corruption and giving it a farewell," he added.&nbsp;

Watch: Howdy Modi Event: Loud cheers as PM Modi mentions article 370

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Pitching India as an attractive investment destination, PM Modi said,&nbsp;norms on single-brand retail had been eased, coal mining and contract manufacturing was open for 100 per cent FDI investment and "big" reduction in corporate tax will make India more globally competitive.

The Prime Minister said India was striving to become a 5 trillion dollar economy and the government was laying thrust on boosting infrastructure, investment and exports.

PM Modi also said,&nbsp;on the second October when the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India will bid farewell to open defecation.

On data affordability, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Data is the new gold... the focus of industry 4.0 is totally on data. It is India where data prices are the cheapest in the world and 1 GB data is available for 20-30 cents."

On banking services, PM Modi said, "100 per cent families are linked to banking services."

The Indian prime minister informed the Indian-Americans present at the NRG event that visa and passport services have become easier.

On tax returns, PM Modi said it used to be "big headache earlier, now things are much easier."&nbsp;

"Online registrations have jumped manifolds. Just in one day, 50 Lakh tax returns were filed, more than the population of Houston."&nbsp;

Referring to the Central government's decision to revoke the provision under Article 370&nbsp;PM Modi said,&nbsp;"India gave a farewell to Article 370,"&nbsp;adding that it "denied Kashmiris their rights."

"Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights." 
&nbsp; 
Addressing the audience of nearly 50,000 Indian-Americans, PM Modi asked people to give a standing ovation to Indian parliamentarians for their nod to repeal Article 370.&nbsp;

"Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights."

Referring to abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi also took a jibe at Pakistan, saying "the work done by India is bothering some people who are not able to handle their own country. They do not want peace."

"These are the same people who shield terrorism and nurture it. The whole world knows them very well," PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Indian diaspora in Houston's "Howdy, Modi" event in the presence of US President Trump. Reassuring the Indian-American community, PM Modi charmed the audience of 50,000 Indian-Americans saying, "everything is fine" in almost eight languages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Indian diaspora in Houston's "Howdy, Modi" event in the presence of US President Trump. Reassuring the Indian-American community, PM Modi charmed the audience of 50,000 Indian-Americans saying, "everything is fine" in almost eight languages. "Because you've asked 'Howdy Modi!', my response is everything is fine in India," PM Modi said, continuing to reiterate the sentiment in about eight different languages including Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali, to name a few. Often hailed as a people's leader, PM Modi spoke about various issues including sanitation, data affordability, ease of business and highlighted the progress made during his tenure. "In the last five years, we have bid farewell to 1,500 archaic laws," PM Modi told the crowd at Houston. "We are also challenging corruption and giving it a farewell," he added. Watch: Howdy Modi Event: Loud cheers as PM Modi mentions article 370 × Pitching India as an attractive investment destination, PM Modi said, norms on single-brand retail had been eased, coal mining and contract manufacturing was open for 100 per cent FDI investment and "big" reduction in corporate tax will make India more globally competitive. The Prime Minister said India was striving to become a 5 trillion dollar economy and the government was laying thrust on boosting infrastructure, investment and exports. PM Modi also said, on the second October when the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India will bid farewell to open defecation. On data affordability, PM Modi said, "Data is the new gold... the focus of industry 4.0 is totally on data. It is India where data prices are the cheapest in the world and 1 GB data is available for 20-30 cents." On banking services, PM Modi said, "100 per cent families are linked to banking services." The Indian prime minister informed the Indian-Americans present at the NRG event that visa and passport services have become easier. On tax returns, PM Modi said it used to be "big headache earlier, now things are much easier." "Online registrations have jumped manifolds. Just in one day, 50 Lakh tax returns were filed, more than the population of Houston." Referring to the Central government's decision to revoke the provision under Article 370 PM Modi said, "India gave a farewell to Article 370," adding that it "denied Kashmiris their rights." "Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights." Addressing the audience of nearly 50,000 Indian-Americans, PM Modi asked people to give a standing ovation to Indian parliamentarians for their nod to repeal Article 370. "Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights." Referring to abrogation of Article 370, PM Modi also took a jibe at Pakistan, saying "the work done by India is bothering some people who are not able to handle their own country. They do not want peace." "These are the same people who shield terrorism and nurture it. The whole world knows them very well," PM Modi added.

Key highlights of PM Modi's speech at Houston's 'Howdy, Modi' event

'Howdy, Modi': Trump-Modi bonhomie reignited at Houston

No award ceremony in Hollywood is complete without a taking a dig at US President Donald Trump. &nbsp;On Sunday night, 'Chernobyl' creator Craig Mazin took a dig at the US President without taking his name while accepting the Outstanding Limited Series award for the series at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.

"I hope that in some small ways our show has helped remind people of the value of the truth and the danger of the lie," Mazin said on the stage.

'Chernobyl' dramatises the story of the 1986 nuclear accident near the Ukrainian city of Pripyat. It also puts the spotlight on the cleanup efforts that followed.

The show has been compared frequently as timely in the age of the truth and fact-challenged by Trump.&nbsp;

The show was nominated along with 'Escape at Dannemora', 'Fosse/Verdon', 'Sharp Objects' and 'When They See Us'.&nbsp;

'Chernobyl' also took home Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or TV Movie (Johan Renck) and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or TV Movie (Mazin).&nbsp; 
Renck thanked the team behind the scenes and cast of the limited series while accepting the honour.

Mazin has confirmed that there will be no second season of 'Chernobyl'.&nbsp;

"We told a story of a place in time, and we did it pretty darn well. It`s time to start thinking about other places and other times. Whenever we look at fiction that is based on history, we look for things that are relevant to who we are now and what we are facing. The trick is finding interesting history that is repeating itself in different ways," he said backstage of the award gala.

Without sharing any information about his next project, Mazin said he is working on "some cool stuff".

No award ceremony in Hollywood is complete without a taking a dig at US President Donald Trump. On Sunday night, 'Chernobyl' creator Craig Mazin took a dig at the US President without taking his name while accepting the Outstanding Limited Series award for the series at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.

No award ceremony in Hollywood is complete without a taking a dig at US President Donald Trump. On Sunday night, 'Chernobyl' creator Craig Mazin took a dig at the US President without taking his name while accepting the Outstanding Limited Series award for the series at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony. "I hope that in some small ways our show has helped remind people of the value of the truth and the danger of the lie," Mazin said on the stage. 'Chernobyl' dramatises the story of the 1986 nuclear accident near the Ukrainian city of Pripyat. It also puts the spotlight on the cleanup efforts that followed. The show has been compared frequently as timely in the age of the truth and fact-challenged by Trump. The show was nominated along with 'Escape at Dannemora', 'Fosse/Verdon', 'Sharp Objects' and 'When They See Us'. 'Chernobyl' also took home Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or TV Movie (Johan Renck) and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or TV Movie (Mazin). Renck thanked the team behind the scenes and cast of the limited series while accepting the honour. Mazin has confirmed that there will be no second season of 'Chernobyl'. "We told a story of a place in time, and we did it pretty darn well. It`s time to start thinking about other places and other times. Whenever we look at fiction that is based on history, we look for things that are relevant to who we are now and what we are facing. The trick is finding interesting history that is repeating itself in different ways," he said backstage of the award gala. Without sharing any information about his next project, Mazin said he is working on "some cool stuff".

'Chernobyl' maker takes a dig at Donald Trump at Emmys 2019

I admire President Trump's belief in America's future: PM Modi in Houston

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) reached NRG Stadium in Houston to attend the 'Howdy, Modi!'&nbsp;gala event.

He was received by External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar and US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.

He was later greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The chemistry between the two leaders was visible as the two leaders walked closely all the way to the stage and also met a group of children.

The event is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, which has served as a venue for some of the most impressive events starring Beyonce, Metallica, to name a few.

The event is being held in honour of Prime Minister Modi, who is currently on a week-long official trip to the United States to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other official engagements.

The event is a reflection of the deep and special relationship between India and the US, one that has often been described as the 'defining partnership'&nbsp;of the 21 century.

Terming the development "historic" and "unprecedented", Indian Ambassador to US, Harshvardhan Shringla, said that it represents "personal chemistry and friendship" between the two leaders.

"The two leaders addressing the 'Howdy, Modi!'&nbsp;event is historic and unprecedented. It reflects not only the closeness and comfort levels in the relationship but also the personal chemistry and friendship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump," Shringla had told ANI.

Modi's chemistry with both Trump and former President Barack Obama reflect that the Indian Prime Minister has been able to transcend the political divide in the US.

Moreover, the fact that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat, will also address the gathering, further reflects the strong bipartisan support for the relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) reached NRG Stadium in Houston to attend the 'Howdy, Modi!' gala event. He was received by External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar and US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) reached NRG Stadium in Houston to attend the 'Howdy, Modi!' gala event. He was received by External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar and US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster. He was later greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chemistry between the two leaders was visible as the two leaders walked closely all the way to the stage and also met a group of children. The event is being organised at the sprawling NRG Football Stadium, one of the largest in the US, which has served as a venue for some of the most impressive events starring Beyonce, Metallica, to name a few. The event is being held in honour of Prime Minister Modi, who is currently on a week-long official trip to the United States to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other official engagements. The event is a reflection of the deep and special relationship between India and the US, one that has often been described as the 'defining partnership' of the 21 century. Terming the development "historic" and "unprecedented", Indian Ambassador to US, Harshvardhan Shringla, said that it represents "personal chemistry and friendship" between the two leaders. "The two leaders addressing the 'Howdy, Modi!' event is historic and unprecedented. It reflects not only the closeness and comfort levels in the relationship but also the personal chemistry and friendship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump," Shringla had told ANI. Modi's chemistry with both Trump and former President Barack Obama reflect that the Indian Prime Minister has been able to transcend the political divide in the US. Moreover, the fact that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat, will also address the gathering, further reflects the strong bipartisan support for the relationship between the two countries.

Hand-in-hand, Modi-Trump take stage at 'Howdy, Modi!'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the key to Houston city upon his arrival at the 'Howdy Modi!'&nbsp;event on Sunday.

The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presented a large, golden cut-out of the key to Modi, soon after he reached the venue.

The gesture was made in recognition of the exceptional relationship shared between the people of India and Houston.

The Prime Minister won hearts by bowing to the crowd after he walked on to the stage to chants of "Modi! Modi!" emanating from the crowd.

Thanking the city for its warm welcome, the PM tweeted, "Thank you Houston for such amazing affection! #HowdyModi" along with a video that showed an ocean of people welcoming the leader at Houston's NRG Stadium.

The first of its kind event is being held in honour of Prime Minister Modi, who is currently on a week-long official trip to the United States to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other official engagements.

US President Donald Trump's presence at the event was confirmed by the White House, showing the strong, personal ties shared between the leaders of the two largest democracies of the world.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the key to Houston city upon his arrival at the 'Howdy Modi!' event on Sunday. The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presented a large, golden cut-out of the key to Modi, soon after he reached the venue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the key to Houston city upon his arrival at the 'Howdy Modi!' event on Sunday. The Mayor of Houston Sylvester Turner presented a large, golden cut-out of the key to Modi, soon after he reached the venue. The gesture was made in recognition of the exceptional relationship shared between the people of India and Houston. The Prime Minister won hearts by bowing to the crowd after he walked on to the stage to chants of "Modi! Modi!" emanating from the crowd. Thanking the city for its warm welcome, the PM tweeted, "Thank you Houston for such amazing affection! #HowdyModi" along with a video that showed an ocean of people welcoming the leader at Houston's NRG Stadium. The first of its kind event is being held in honour of Prime Minister Modi, who is currently on a week-long official trip to the United States to address the UN General Assembly, amongst other official engagements. US President Donald Trump's presence at the event was confirmed by the White House, showing the strong, personal ties shared between the leaders of the two largest democracies of the world.

PM Modi honoured with key to Houston city on arrival at 'Howdy, Modi!' event

India's Agenda: Far more diverse and global in its outlook.

WION USA Direct: India's Agenda: Far more diverse and global in its outlook

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 22nd, 2019

Arun Singh and Navtej Sarna speak on Chemistry between PM Modi and Donald Trump.

WION USA Direct: Arun Singh and Navtej Sarna on Chemistry between PM Modi and Donald Trump

Here are the expectations of Indian-Americans from the grand speech of PM Modi and Donald Trump in Howdy Modi event.

Howdy Modi Event: Expectations of Indian-Americans from the grand speech of PM Modi and Trump

Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Siddhant Sibbal speaks on the significance of the Howdy, Modi event

Howdy Modi Event: Largest foreign gathering, Rising power of Indian community

Arun Singh, Former Indian Envoy to the U.S. speaks on the preparations, location and in detail about Howdy, Modi Event

WION USA Direct: Arun Singh, Former Indian Envoy to U.S. on Howdy, Modi Event

Some 50,000 Indian-Americans are due to pack into a Houston stadium Sunday for a rally with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by US President Donald Trump, in a rare mass show of support for a foreign leader on US soil.

Some 50,000 Indian-Americans are due to pack into a Houston stadium Sunday for a rally with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by US President Donald Trump, in a rare mass show of support for a foreign leader on US soil. The event gives Modi, a nationalist facing international criticism over a recent crackdown in disputed Kashmir, a chance to energise his relationship with Indian-Americans who are active political supporters. Trump, meanwhile, will face a largely foreign-born audience that may not prove receptive to his typical strident anti-immigrant messages. Houston is a rare Democratic stronghold in Republican-dominated Texas and serves as the economic anchor of a state that will be critical to Trump's 2020 reelection bid. Polls show tepid support by Indian-American voters, some 75% of whom voted for his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in 2016. But organisers of the "Howdy, Modi!" event, due to kick off in the morning with a 90-minute cultural programme featuring 400 costumed dancers, say Trump can expect a receptive audience. "Trump is completely welcomed by the community," said Preeti Dawra, a spokeswoman for the Texas India Forum that organised the event. "His presence is an indication of his support and endorsement of the strengthening of India's relations with America. This event is about strengthening those ties." It will not be the first time Modi, has addressed a large crowd in the United States, which is home to about 4 million Indian-Americans including about 300,000 in Houston and nearby Dallas, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of US Census data. Some 19,000 people turned out for a similar event in New York in 2014, and Indian-American volunteers living in US suburbs helped run a telephone blitz of voters in India in the runup to his May reelection campaign. "Modi's coming here shows the importance of the Indian-American diaspora for him," Dawra said. "We will show him on Sunday the enthusiasm the diaspora has for his leadership." Kashmir crackdown Modi's visit to Houston comes ahead of this week's UN 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. Modi's move has been met by international criticism. Pakistan has condemned the crackdown and its 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 US-India relationship on trade and tariffs is rocky right now, though Trump and Modi appear to have strong personal ties. But Devesh Kapur, director of Asia Programs at Johns Hopkins University, who has written a book on Indian-Americans, said that while the rally would certainly have symbolic value for both leaders, "it's unlikely by itself to impact thorny trade issues ... but it can't hurt." Kapur also forecast little improvement regarding Trump's standing with Indian-Americans. "The Trump administration's hard-line policies on immigration ... have hardly endeared (him) to the community," Kapur said. "Appearing with PM Modi might mildly help but certainly not reverse the community's overall pro-Democrat leanings."

'Howdy, Modi!' - Thousands, plus Trump, due at Texas rally for Indian PM Modi

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump.

"There was no discussion about anything else," Morrison, who made a state visit to the White House on Friday, told journalists, according to a transcript.

"There was an appreciation of our involvement in that particular operation which was I remind everyone is about freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz. That's what that is about. The other matters that are being pursued by the United States are matters that they're pursuing."

Trump last week approved sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which the United States has squarely blamed on Iran.

The tension between the United States and Iran has been rising since President Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear agreement last year and the attack on the oil facilities has spurred concerns of an escalation into a new war.

The US president had signalled he would raise with Morrison a possible military contribution in Iran, although later he said the topic had not been discussed.

In August, Australia joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I made it very clear when we announced our involvement in that arrangement that it was very much about that freedom of navigation issue and that's what it is about and that's appreciated," Morrison said.

He also praised Trump for what he said was a "restraint" in relation to Iran.

"And it was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions," Morrison said. "So I think that should provide some assurance. I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest."

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump.

Australia is not getting involved with the United States in its pursuit of aims in relation to Iran, beyond a commitment to freedom of navigation in the region, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said after talks with US President Donald Trump. "There was no discussion about anything else," Morrison, who made a state visit to the White House on Friday, told journalists, according to a transcript. "There was an appreciation of our involvement in that particular operation which was I remind everyone is about freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz. That's what that is about. The other matters that are being pursued by the United States are matters that they're pursuing." Trump last week approved sending US troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defences after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which the United States has squarely blamed on Iran. The tension between the United States and Iran has been rising since President Trump abandoned the Iranian nuclear agreement last year and the attack on the oil facilities has spurred concerns of an escalation into a new war. The US president had signalled he would raise with Morrison a possible military contribution in Iran, although later he said the topic had not been discussed. In August, Australia joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. "I made it very clear when we announced our involvement in that arrangement that it was very much about that freedom of navigation issue and that's what it is about and that's appreciated," Morrison said. He also praised Trump for what he said was a "restraint" in relation to Iran. "And it was good to have the opportunity to confirm that again in the course of our discussions," Morrison said. "So I think that should provide some assurance. I mean Australia will make its decisions in our national interest."

Australia offers Trump only limited commitment on Iran: PM Scott Morrison

The U.S Sends Troops to Bolster Saudi Defences after Attack

Iran's central bank hit with sanctions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-india-as-global-leader-says-pm-modi-ahead-of-us-visit-250880">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;will be in the United States for a week-long visit which will see him meet with US President Donald Trump, hold a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements, take part in his biggest ever address in the United States and address the UNGA in New York on September 27. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Here's a quick look at the prime minister's jam-packed US schedule.&nbsp;

PM Modi left for Houston from the national capital late on Friday. The first day of his engagement will see a round table meeting with the CEOs of oil sector companies.&nbsp;

September 22

The prime minister will deliver his address at the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/howdy-modi-prime-minister-to-address-his-biggest-ever-us-rally-this-weekend-250911">Howdy Modi</a>', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue. Modi will leave for New York the same day.&nbsp;

September 23

PM Modi will attend the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit at the UN building. The summit will be followed by a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage. This will be followed by Prime Minister's meetings with the Amir of Qatar, President of Niger, Prime Minister of Italy and the Director of UNICEF.

He will also attend the Leaders'&nbsp;Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives. Modi will also meet the Presidents of Namibia and Maldives.

September 24

The PM will meet US President Donald Trump at the UN headquarters, which will be their second meeting in three days. His other engagements during the day include India-Pacific islands'&nbsp;leaders'&nbsp;meeting and Gandhi @150 event. Later, he will receive the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Global Goals Award 2019.

September 25

Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. He will then attend a CEOs'&nbsp;routable and also have one-on-one meetings. He will also be meeting Prime Ministers of Belgium, Armenia and New Zealand and President of Estonia.

September 26&nbsp;

PM Modi has a scheduled meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani. He will also be meeting the president of Cyprus and Prime Minister of Greece.

September 27

The prime minister will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This will be followed by an informal meeting with other delegations and Indian community outside the general assembly hall. Meetings with prime ministers of Bhutan and Bangladesh is also scheduled on the same day. The Prime Minister will leave for New Delhi on September 28.&nbsp;

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PM Modi's engagements will also include a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

On Friday, right before his departure for the United States, PM Modi in a statement said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US.

"I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US," the prime minister tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the United States for a week-long visit which will see him meet with US President Donald Trump, hold a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements, take part in his biggest ever address in the United States and address the UNGA in New York on September 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the United States for a week-long visit which will see him meet with US President Donald Trump, hold a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements, take part in his biggest ever address in the United States and address the UNGA in New York on September 27. Here's a quick look at the prime minister's jam-packed US schedule. PM Modi left for Houston from the national capital late on Friday. The first day of his engagement will see a round table meeting with the CEOs of oil sector companies. September 22 The prime minister will deliver his address at the 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue. Modi will leave for New York the same day. September 23 PM Modi will attend the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit at the UN building. The summit will be followed by a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage. This will be followed by Prime Minister's meetings with the Amir of Qatar, President of Niger, Prime Minister of Italy and the Director of UNICEF. He will also attend the Leaders' Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives. Modi will also meet the Presidents of Namibia and Maldives. September 24 The PM will meet US President Donald Trump at the UN headquarters, which will be their second meeting in three days. His other engagements during the day include India-Pacific islands' leaders' meeting and Gandhi @150 event. Later, he will receive the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Global Goals Award 2019. September 25 Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. He will then attend a CEOs' routable and also have one-on-one meetings. He will also be meeting Prime Ministers of Belgium, Armenia and New Zealand and President of Estonia. September 26 PM Modi has a scheduled meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani. He will also be meeting the president of Cyprus and Prime Minister of Greece. September 27 The prime minister will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This will be followed by an informal meeting with other delegations and Indian community outside the general assembly hall. Meetings with prime ministers of Bhutan and Bangladesh is also scheduled on the same day. The Prime Minister will leave for New Delhi on September 28. × PM Modi's engagements will also include a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. On Friday, right before his departure for the United States, PM Modi in a statement said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US," the prime minister tweeted out. (With inputs from ANI)

From diaspora event, meet with Trump to UNGA address: PM Modi's jam-packed US schedule 

North Korea's chief negotiator in talks with the United States welcomed Donald Trump's suggestion of trying a "new method" in negotiations, and hailed the exit of his hawkish national security advisor.

The US President had fired John Bolton last week, revealing deep divisions between the two on major foreign policy issues including nuclear talks with Pyongyang.

Trump on Thursday said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang, which have been deadlocked since the collapse of his second summit with Kim Jong Un collapsed in February.

Kim Myong Gil, Pyongyang's top delegate for working-level negotiations with Washington, said the comment underscored a "political perception and disposition peculiar to President Trump", calling it a "wise political decision" in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

"At the moment I am not quite sure what he implied in his suggestion of 'new method'," he added.

"It seems he wanted to imply that a step-by-step solution starting with the things feasible first while building trust in each other would be the best option."

Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- who was killed after being deposed in 2011.

Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly".

Kim Myong Gil described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker who used to face everything out of his anachronistic way of thinking".

North Korea and the United States agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging".

There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

North Korea's chief negotiator in talks with the United States welcomed Donald Trump's suggestion of trying a "new method" in negotiations, and hailed the exit of his hawkish national security advisor.

North Korea's chief negotiator in talks with the United States welcomed Donald Trump's suggestion of trying a "new method" in negotiations, and hailed the exit of his hawkish national security advisor. The US President had fired John Bolton last week, revealing deep divisions between the two on major foreign policy issues including nuclear talks with Pyongyang. Trump on Thursday said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang, which have been deadlocked since the collapse of his second summit with Kim Jong Un collapsed in February. Kim Myong Gil, Pyongyang's top delegate for working-level negotiations with Washington, said the comment underscored a "political perception and disposition peculiar to President Trump", calling it a "wise political decision" in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. "At the moment I am not quite sure what he implied in his suggestion of 'new method'," he added. "It seems he wanted to imply that a step-by-step solution starting with the things feasible first while building trust in each other would be the best option." Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- who was killed after being deposed in 2011. Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly". Kim Myong Gil described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker who used to face everything out of his anachronistic way of thinking". North Korea and the United States agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging". There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

Top North Korea negotiator praises Trump's 'new method' suggestion

Trump to deploy more troops to Saudi Arabia after attack. Watch video to know more.

Trump to deploy more troops to Saudi Arabia after attack

Trump imposes more sanctions on Iran, says ' highest sanction on a country ever'. Watch video to know more.

Trump imposes more sanctions on Iran, says 'highest sanction on a country ever'

The event, which will be hosted by Texas India (TI) Forum on September 22, "is an attempt to bring together tens of thousands of people to encourage and explore common interests and an expanded partnership between the United States and India's fast-growing economy,'' as per a statement by the organisers.

Houston gears up to welcome PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended several Indian community events around the world after he assumed office in 2014.

But "Howdy Modi" is unique. Not because of the sheer size of it, but also because of one high profile attendee.

The event at Houston on September 22 will be the largest gathering for an elected foreign leader other than the Pope and it will be a celebration of the cultures of India and the US.&nbsp;

The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

More than 50,000 Indian-Americans from across the US have registered for the “Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures” event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with American President Donald Trump. Both leaders will address the mega rally.&nbsp;

PM Modi had addressed more than 19 thousand people at New York's Madison Square Garden. Almost the same number of people had attended the event in San Jose in 2015. So, the crowd will be almost three times in this event.&nbsp;

More than 60 prominent lawmakers will also be in attendance.&nbsp;

Democratic candidate for the 2020 election — Tulsi Gabbard — will skip the event. She is the first Indian-origin woman candidate for an American presidential race. She sent out a video message — welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Houston.

NRG Stadium, formerly Reliant Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Houston. The stadium is the home of the Houston Texans football team.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will leave for Houston tonight. He is also scheduled to hold a roundtable meeting with the top executives of American energy companies.&nbsp;

A big announcement could be in store

Ahead of the big event — US President Donald Trump has said that he could announce something from the stage. Howdy Modi is an opportunity for US President Trump to win some support from the Indian community. The next presidential election in America is scheduled for 2020&nbsp;in which the influential Indian-American community is expected to play a big role.&nbsp;Trump, a Republican, has already announced his candidature.

According to a 2018 survey, Indian Americas are much more disapproving of Trump — than the average Asian Americans.

This will be the third meeting between Modi and Trump this year. The previous two were on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan in June and the G7 Summit in France in July.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended several Indian community events around the world after he assumed office in 2014. But "Howdy Modi" is unique. Not because of the sheer size of it, but also because of one high profile attendee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended several Indian community events around the world after he assumed office in 2014. But "Howdy Modi" is unique. Not because of the sheer size of it, but also because of one high profile attendee. The event at Houston on September 22 will be the largest gathering for an elected foreign leader other than the Pope and it will be a celebration of the cultures of India and the US. The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity. More than 50,000 Indian-Americans from across the US have registered for the “Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures” event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share the stage with American President Donald Trump. Both leaders will address the mega rally. PM Modi had addressed more than 19 thousand people at New York's Madison Square Garden. Almost the same number of people had attended the event in San Jose in 2015. So, the crowd will be almost three times in this event. More than 60 prominent lawmakers will also be in attendance. Democratic candidate for the 2020 election — Tulsi Gabbard — will skip the event. She is the first Indian-origin woman candidate for an American presidential race. She sent out a video message — welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Houston. NRG Stadium, formerly Reliant Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Houston. The stadium is the home of the Houston Texans football team. Prime Minister Modi will leave for Houston tonight. He is also scheduled to hold a roundtable meeting with the top executives of American energy companies. A big announcement could be in store Ahead of the big event — US President Donald Trump has said that he could announce something from the stage. Howdy Modi is an opportunity for US President Trump to win some support from the Indian community. The next presidential election in America is scheduled for 2020 in which the influential Indian-American community is expected to play a big role. Trump, a Republican, has already announced his candidature. According to a 2018 survey, Indian Americas are much more disapproving of Trump — than the average Asian Americans. This will be the third meeting between Modi and Trump this year. The previous two were on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan in June and the G7 Summit in France in July.

Howdy, Modi: Prime Minister to address his biggest-ever US rally this weekend

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excitement-builds-up-as-indian-diaspora-gears-up-for-electrifying-howdy-modi-event-251008">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will be addressing the biggest ever Indian diaspora event, '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-howdy-modi-trump-and-pm-modi-could-sign-trade-deal-251028">Howdy Modi</a>', in the United States in Houston, Texas on Sunday. According to the organisers of the event, Texas India Forum, 50,000 people have registered for the event. The event will take place at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-howdy-modi-diaspora-event-meet-with-trump-multilateral-engagements-to-unga-address-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-251007">NRG Stadium in Houston</a>.&nbsp;

Jugal Malani, chairperson of Texas India Forum told WION, "Houston has a large Indian diaspora. We started from July 19 and when we started the registration process, within 3 weeks, 50,000 people registered and many are on the waiting list now".

It will be the largest gathering for any democratically elected foreign leader in the US. The biggest gathering which the US has seen for a visiting leader has been for the Pope. The big focus will be on US President Donald Trump's presence at the event.

"It is the relationship between the US and India. This is the main focus. Personal chemistry plays an important role. They have become a good friend", Malani said when asked on Trump's presence.

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This is the first time when an American President will be participating in the diaspora event and address the Indian-American community. Senior Democratic leadership of the United States will also be present at this event, this includes several elected Congressional representatives from both the parties.&nbsp;

Last week External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called Trump's participation a tribute to the role played by the Indian-Americans in the American society.

"I regard this as a great achievement of the Indian-American community that if today you have an event of this size and you have someone like President Trump coming there, this shows where that community has reached, how it is regarded in the US and respect it commands there... it is great achievement of the community,"&nbsp;Jaishankar said.

Before the Houston diaspora event, the prime minister has addressed the Indian-American community twice during his first term - first at the Madison Square Garden, New York in 2014 followed by his address in San Jose in the year 2015.

This is PM Modi's first visit to the US in his second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the biggest ever Indian diaspora event, 'Howdy Modi', in the United States in Houston, Texas on Sunday. According to the organisers of the event, Texas India Forum, 50,000 people have registered for the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the biggest ever Indian diaspora event, 'Howdy Modi', in the United States in Houston, Texas on Sunday. According to the organisers of the event, Texas India Forum, 50,000 people have registered for the event. The event will take place at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Jugal Malani, chairperson of Texas India Forum told WION, "Houston has a large Indian diaspora. We started from July 19 and when we started the registration process, within 3 weeks, 50,000 people registered and many are on the waiting list now". It will be the largest gathering for any democratically elected foreign leader in the US. The biggest gathering which the US has seen for a visiting leader has been for the Pope. The big focus will be on US President Donald Trump's presence at the event. "It is the relationship between the US and India. This is the main focus. Personal chemistry plays an important role. They have become a good friend", Malani said when asked on Trump's presence. × This is the first time when an American President will be participating in the diaspora event and address the Indian-American community. Senior Democratic leadership of the United States will also be present at this event, this includes several elected Congressional representatives from both the parties. Last week External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called Trump's participation a tribute to the role played by the Indian-Americans in the American society. "I regard this as a great achievement of the Indian-American community that if today you have an event of this size and you have someone like President Trump coming there, this shows where that community has reached, how it is regarded in the US and respect it commands there... it is great achievement of the community," Jaishankar said. Before the Houston diaspora event, the prime minister has addressed the Indian-American community twice during his first term - first at the Madison Square Garden, New York in 2014 followed by his address in San Jose in the year 2015. This is PM Modi's first visit to the US in his second term.

'Howdy Modi' will see biggest crowd in US for a visiting leader next to Pope's visit

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-howdy-modi-diaspora-event-meet-with-trump-multilateral-engagements-to-unga-address-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-251007">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said.

A deal between the world's most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs.

The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US&nbsp;produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources said.

Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excitement-builds-up-as-indian-diaspora-gears-up-for-electrifying-howdy-modi-event-251008">Modi</a> will meet this Sunday in Houston at an Indian-American rally dubbed "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-india-as-global-leader-says-pm-modi-ahead-of-us-visit-250880">Howdy Modi</a>!" in a 50,000-seat stadium -- a sign of their warming relations, which are contributing to expectations for a "mini-deal."

"There's a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA," said a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions.

Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US&nbsp;manufacturing jobs.

US-India trade relations have been fraught. Trump has repeatedly complained about India's high tariff rates, including a 50 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The United States has also taken issue with India's new investment rules on e-commerce that limit how companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart can do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027.

"We’ve been talking to the Americans, we have engaged them for many months now," Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a news conference this week. "My expectation is that some of the sharper edges, they would be addressed in some forms in the not too distant future."

A US&nbsp;trade representative spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the US-India talks.

Modi, like Trump, has used tariffs to try to boost investment in manufacturing, a key part of his "Make-In-India" campaign to attract foreign cash and create factory jobs for millions of youth entering the workforce.

Apple Inc supplier Foxconn recently expanded production of iPhones in India to avoid a 20% import tariff and diversify its supply chain from China.

Bilateral US&nbsp;trade with India, at $142 billion last year, is just a fraction of the $737 billion in US-China trade.

Tariffs&nbsp;

The United States in June ended duty-free access for about $5.7 billion worth of Indian exports under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, including chemicals, plastics, leather and rubber goods, and auto parts. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP, which was designed to help developing countries that dates from the 1970s. India responded with higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 US&nbsp;products, including almonds, apples and walnuts.

India is the largest buyer of US&nbsp;almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US&nbsp;almond exports in 2018, according to the US&nbsp;Department of Agriculture. It is the second-largest buyer of US&nbsp;apples.

Pork, dairy, nuts&nbsp;

The talks are focused on US&nbsp;demands that India reduce agricultural tariffs, including those for almonds, pork, dairy products, cherries, apples and other commodities, people familiar with the talks in both Washington and New Delhi said.

India is likely to allow some US&nbsp;dairy imports, the official said. Another Indian official said the United States was pushing India to remove high pricing barriers on imported US&nbsp;medical devices including cardiac stents.

In return, India wants the GSP restored for a few more years, as Modi struggles to boost exports dampened by sluggish global demand made worse by the US-China trade war. New Delhi also wants market access for some of its farm products such as grapes to export to the United States.

The United States is also seeking lower tariffs on high-end electronics products, one of the Indian officials said.

Both sides are discussing revising India's domestic content rules on ethanol to allow more imports of the US&nbsp;fuel additive, two US&nbsp;sources familiar with the discussions said.

A narrow deal would be a positive first step and leave thorny issues aside such as the new e-commerce rules, said Roger Murry, deputy director of the Alliance for Fair Trade with India, a group of US&nbsp;trade associations.

"We're hopeful that the Houston events can be bolstered by some real progress on the trade front that shows the US&nbsp;and India can negotiate some reasonable solutions," Murry said.

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said.

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said. A deal between the world's most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs. The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources said. Trump and Modi will meet this Sunday in Houston at an Indian-American rally dubbed "Howdy Modi!" in a 50,000-seat stadium -- a sign of their warming relations, which are contributing to expectations for a "mini-deal." "There's a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA," said a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions. Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US manufacturing jobs. US-India trade relations have been fraught. Trump has repeatedly complained about India's high tariff rates, including a 50 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The United States has also taken issue with India's new investment rules on e-commerce that limit how companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart can do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027. "We’ve been talking to the Americans, we have engaged them for many months now," Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a news conference this week. "My expectation is that some of the sharper edges, they would be addressed in some forms in the not too distant future." A US trade representative spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the US-India talks. Modi, like Trump, has used tariffs to try to boost investment in manufacturing, a key part of his "Make-In-India" campaign to attract foreign cash and create factory jobs for millions of youth entering the workforce. Apple Inc supplier Foxconn recently expanded production of iPhones in India to avoid a 20% import tariff and diversify its supply chain from China. Bilateral US trade with India, at $142 billion last year, is just a fraction of the $737 billion in US-China trade. Tariffs The United States in June ended duty-free access for about $5.7 billion worth of Indian exports under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, including chemicals, plastics, leather and rubber goods, and auto parts. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP, which was designed to help developing countries that dates from the 1970s. India responded with higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples and walnuts. India is the largest buyer of US almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US almond exports in 2018, according to the US Department of Agriculture. It is the second-largest buyer of US apples. Pork, dairy, nuts The talks are focused on US demands that India reduce agricultural tariffs, including those for almonds, pork, dairy products, cherries, apples and other commodities, people familiar with the talks in both Washington and New Delhi said. India is likely to allow some US dairy imports, the official said. Another Indian official said the United States was pushing India to remove high pricing barriers on imported US medical devices including cardiac stents. In return, India wants the GSP restored for a few more years, as Modi struggles to boost exports dampened by sluggish global demand made worse by the US-China trade war. New Delhi also wants market access for some of its farm products such as grapes to export to the United States. The United States is also seeking lower tariffs on high-end electronics products, one of the Indian officials said. Both sides are discussing revising India's domestic content rules on ethanol to allow more imports of the US fuel additive, two US sources familiar with the discussions said. A narrow deal would be a positive first step and leave thorny issues aside such as the new e-commerce rules, said Roger Murry, deputy director of the Alliance for Fair Trade with India, a group of US trade associations. "We're hopeful that the Houston events can be bolstered by some real progress on the trade front that shows the US and India can negotiate some reasonable solutions," Murry said.

After 'Howdy Modi,' Trump and PM Modi could sign trade deal

I have just got my VIP pass for the ‘Howdy Modi’ summit on Sunday, September 22. By the time this column appears, I should be heading for Houston, Texas. The venue is the massive NRG stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 people. But there aren’t any seats available. The free event is already a sell-out, with over 50,000 registered attendees. To say the least, the occasion is likely to be momentous and memorable, especially with United States President Donald Trump confirming his participation.

As it happened, I was in Houston just last week, as a speaker at the JLF Houston literature festival. The Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who inaugurated it, was gracious enough publicly to acknowledge that we were in college together. Indian Consul General in Houston, Dr Anupam Ray, played a crucial role not only in getting the JLF to Houston, but proposing Modi’s visit to the energy capital of North America. By Friday, September 13, rumours were rife that US President Donald Trump would also show up at the summit, sharing the dais with Modi. After a couple of days’ suspense, an official communique from the White House confirmed the news. The atmosphere at the Indian Consulate was electric, with scores of top foreign service diplomats, led by S. Jaishankar, our external affairs minister, expected in Houston. In addition, Indian American community leaders, the real organisers and hosts, were working day and night to manage the mega logistics. Tying up loose ends and coordinating the efforts from India was BJP’s foreign affairs and overseas outreach head, Vijay Chauthaiwale.

Just think: when was the last time that a serving US president was a guest in his own country at a function honouring a foreign head of state? Never. At least not in my living memory. But this time it is happening, almost as if to confirm ‘Modi hai to mumkin hain.’ Modi makes it possible, to put it ‘modistly.’ The ‘Howdy Modi’ event on September 22 is already a triumph of diplomacy, foreign policy, publicity, and organisational ability. There are billboards all over with huge blow-ups of the Indian Prime Minister looking down benignly upon curious Texans. With a median income of $100,000, Indians Americans are a wealthy and influential minority in this country. They have, however, traditionally voted and supported the Democratic party. President Donald Trump, by attending the meeting with Modi, will want to change that. Why would he miss the chance to address a rally of this size, with a rich, niche clientele, handed to him on a platter?

PM Modi and Trump met less than a month back, on August 26 at the tony French seaside, Biarritz, on the sidelines of the G7 summit. There was much hand, if not back, slapping, widely televised and lapped up by audiences across the world. What is more, Modi got Trump to backtrack on Kashmir, where the latter had gratuitously offered to mediate, if not intervene. Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s move to blackmail world leaders into focussing on Kashmir by threatening nuclear war backfired miserably. The Ministry of External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, had its counter-strategy in place, as was evident at the United Nations Human Rights Commission on September 9 and 10.

What, then, can we expect out of the Modi-Trump pageant at Houston? Some hugs and hand-shakes without a doubt. Also a couple of major, even dramatic, announcements. But just the visual impact of the leaders of the world’s two greatest democracies tag teaming up in front of a gigantic audience is sure to send a powerful message across the globe. It will also underscore India’s arrival on the world stage as well as the power of the Indian diaspora in the US.

Trade wars and tariff disputes between India and the US are likely to be overshadowed if not forgotten. Sticky issues such as immigration, green cards, and H1B visa may be eased up a bit. India’s support, even sending peace-keeping troops to Afghanistan, cannot be ruled out in return for US backing us on Kashmir. Whatever actually transpires, what the “sharper edges” in Indo-US relations, as Jaishankar called them, are likely to be softened somewhat. Indeed, optics aside, the prospects of a strategic and economic alliance between the US and India seem bright.

As to PM Modi, he is on a roll in the US, a country which once denied him a visa. After the summit, he is to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 27. He last spoke here after his 2014 victory. Modi will also receive an award for this Swachh Bharat campaign from the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-united-states-chants-howdy-modi-mantra-2791266">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

I have just got my VIP pass for the ‘Howdy Modi’ summit on Sunday, September 22. By the time this column appears, I should be heading for Houston, Texas. The venue is the massive NRG stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 people.

I have just got my VIP pass for the ‘Howdy Modi’ summit on Sunday, September 22. By the time this column appears, I should be heading for Houston, Texas. The venue is the massive NRG stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 people. But there aren’t any seats available. The free event is already a sell-out, with over 50,000 registered attendees. To say the least, the occasion is likely to be momentous and memorable, especially with United States President Donald Trump confirming his participation. As it happened, I was in Houston just last week, as a speaker at the JLF Houston literature festival. The Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who inaugurated it, was gracious enough publicly to acknowledge that we were in college together. Indian Consul General in Houston, Dr Anupam Ray, played a crucial role not only in getting the JLF to Houston, but proposing Modi’s visit to the energy capital of North America. By Friday, September 13, rumours were rife that US President Donald Trump would also show up at the summit, sharing the dais with Modi. After a couple of days’ suspense, an official communique from the White House confirmed the news. The atmosphere at the Indian Consulate was electric, with scores of top foreign service diplomats, led by S. Jaishankar, our external affairs minister, expected in Houston. In addition, Indian American community leaders, the real organisers and hosts, were working day and night to manage the mega logistics. Tying up loose ends and coordinating the efforts from India was BJP’s foreign affairs and overseas outreach head, Vijay Chauthaiwale. Just think: when was the last time that a serving US president was a guest in his own country at a function honouring a foreign head of state? Never. At least not in my living memory. But this time it is happening, almost as if to confirm ‘Modi hai to mumkin hain.’ Modi makes it possible, to put it ‘modistly.’ The ‘Howdy Modi’ event on September 22 is already a triumph of diplomacy, foreign policy, publicity, and organisational ability. There are billboards all over with huge blow-ups of the Indian Prime Minister looking down benignly upon curious Texans. With a median income of $100,000, Indians Americans are a wealthy and influential minority in this country. They have, however, traditionally voted and supported the Democratic party. President Donald Trump, by attending the meeting with Modi, will want to change that. Why would he miss the chance to address a rally of this size, with a rich, niche clientele, handed to him on a platter? PM Modi and Trump met less than a month back, on August 26 at the tony French seaside, Biarritz, on the sidelines of the G7 summit. There was much hand, if not back, slapping, widely televised and lapped up by audiences across the world. What is more, Modi got Trump to backtrack on Kashmir, where the latter had gratuitously offered to mediate, if not intervene. Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s move to blackmail world leaders into focussing on Kashmir by threatening nuclear war backfired miserably. The Ministry of External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, had its counter-strategy in place, as was evident at the United Nations Human Rights Commission on September 9 and 10. What, then, can we expect out of the Modi-Trump pageant at Houston? Some hugs and hand-shakes without a doubt. Also a couple of major, even dramatic, announcements. But just the visual impact of the leaders of the world’s two greatest democracies tag teaming up in front of a gigantic audience is sure to send a powerful message across the globe. It will also underscore India’s arrival on the world stage as well as the power of the Indian diaspora in the US. Trade wars and tariff disputes between India and the US are likely to be overshadowed if not forgotten. Sticky issues such as immigration, green cards, and H1B visa may be eased up a bit. India’s support, even sending peace-keeping troops to Afghanistan, cannot be ruled out in return for US backing us on Kashmir. Whatever actually transpires, what the “sharper edges” in Indo-US relations, as Jaishankar called them, are likely to be softened somewhat. Indeed, optics aside, the prospects of a strategic and economic alliance between the US and India seem bright. As to PM Modi, he is on a roll in the US, a country which once denied him a visa. After the summit, he is to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 27. He last spoke here after his 2014 victory. Modi will also receive an award for this Swachh Bharat campaign from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

United States Chants 'Howdy Modi' Mantra

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