Howdy Modi event / Abki Baar Trump Sarkar PM Modi cheered for Trump at the event

The camaraderie between India and the US was on flamboyant display as Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President Donald Trump at the mega show in Houston on Sunday and deftly reminded the 50,000 Indians in attendance about India's connection with him.

Mr Trump -- who became the US President in 2017 with the overwhelming support of the middle-class white Americans -- is seeking re-election in next year's Presidential elections.

"Friends, we in India have connected well with President Trump, the words of candidate Trump. Abki baar Trump sarkaar rang loud and clear..." said PM Modi, who won his second term in May.

The Washington Post has reported that there's a strong political reason for President Trump to attend the 'Howdy, Modi!' event. Houston is a rare Democratic stronghold in the Republican-dominated Texas.

"The rally... provides Trump with access to a potential pool of Indian American voters that could turn out to be critical in next year's presidential elections," the newspaper reported.

Ahead of the Houston event, the White House had described the two leaders' sharing stage as a way to emphasise the "strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies".

"When I met him first, he told me India has a true friend in the White House," PM Modi said. "This morning in Houston, you can hear the heartbeat of this great partnership in this celebration of the world's two largest democracies," he added.

President Trump flew in from Washington on Sunday morning to share stage with the Prime Minister. At Houston's NRG Football Stadium - the largest in Texas -- he was welcomed by foreign minister S Jaishankar.

Earlier on Sunday, President Trump had expressed enthusiasm for the meeting -- their third in three months. In response to his tweet -- "Will be in Houston to be with my friend. Will be a great day in Texas!" -- PM Modi responded:

It surely will be a great day! Looking forward to meeting you very soon @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/BSum4VyeFI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019

PM Modi is in the US for a week-long visit during which is expected to attend bilateral meetings with President Trump, attend several trade-related meetings and address the United Nations General Assembly.