New Delhi/Washington, Sep 16 (IANS): The White House has confirmed President Donald Trump's attendance at the September 22 'Howdy Modi' event organised by the Indian diaspora in Houston, adding that his participation would be "a great opportunity to emphasize strong ties" between the two nations.
The White House said in a statement that President Trump "will travel to Houston, Texas, and Wapakoneta, Ohio, to underscore the important partnerships between the US and India, and Australia.
"In Houston, President Trump will participate in an event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The event 'Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures' is expected to draw tens of thousands of people.
"It will be a great opportunity to emphasize the strong ties between the people of the US and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that President Trump's attending the event highlights the strength of the ties between the two countries and was a recognition of the contribution of the Indian diaspora.
"The special gesture of President @realDonaldTrump to join us in Houston highlights the strength of the relationship and recognition of the contribution of the Indian community to American society and economy," he tweeted.
Over 50,000 people have registered for the event hosted by the Texas India Forum at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
The organizers have put together a 90-minute cultural extravaganza - "Woven: The Indian-American Story".
The programme will celebrate the contributions of Indian-Americans to the cultural, intellectual and social landscape of the US. It will feature 400 artistes and community members from Texas and across the US.
There would be 27 groups performing in a live and multimedia experience to showcase the diversity of the Indian-American community.
According to Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-Charge of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Bharatiya Janata Party, volunteers of the event were "working 24x7 to make it a great success".
Huge billboards have sprung up across Houston and other places to welcome Modi on his US tour.
Over 60 US lawmakers are expected to attend the event.