De-hyphenating India & Pakistan at UN, PM Modi Wraps Week-long US Trip Amid Cheers; Set for Grand Welcome at Home

New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his US visit, thanking the American people for "exceptional welcome, warmth and hospitality" and saying the diverse range of programmes he attended during the stay will greatly benefit India.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted two photographs of the prime minister boarding his special aircraft for his return journey. "PM @narendramodi winds up a visit filled with many highlights," he said.

Just before emplaning the special aircraft, the prime minister detailed his week-long visit and the programmes he attended in the US, including his address to the 74th UN General Assembly in New York and the mega "Howdy Modi!" event in Houston, Texas.

Modi thanked US president Donald Trump for attending the Indian diaspora event. "Community connect is at the heart of India-USA relations. I will never forget the #HowdyModi programme, made more special by the coming of @POTUS. That gesture showed how much he personally, and USA values ties with India as well as the role of our talented diaspora" he tweeted.

He also mentioned his "excellent" bilateral meetings with international leaders and the round table with American industry leaders. "Drawing more investment to India and acquainting the world with India's reform trajectory was one of the aims too. My interactions with energy sector CEOs in Houston and American captains of industry in NY were successful. The world is eager to explore opportunities in India," the prime minister said.

Speaking of his UNGA address, Modi said he shared his views on India's progress in healthcare, mitigating climate change and the need for all those who believe in humanity to come together to fight terror.

The prime minister said he also shared his thoughts on how India will keep working towards making our planet more peaceful, prosperous and harmonious. "Wherever I went, whoever I met, be it world leaders, industrialists or citizens from all walks of life, there is a great spirit of optimism towards India. There is also immense appreciation of India's efforts to improve sanitation, healthcare and empower the poor," he said.

Modi said India was honoured to host a special event marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He concluded, saying, "I would like to express gratitude to the people of USA for the exceptional welcome, warmth and hospitality. I would also like to thank @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and other respected Members of the American Congress and Government." PTI

As PM Modi delivered his address to the General Debate on Friday, hundreds of people from the Indian diaspora gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters cheering him. Waving the tri-colour and raising slogans of 'Vande Mataram', 'Jai Hind', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi', the crowd started gathering well before Modi arrived at the United Nations and erupted in a huge cheer as Modi began his statement. The crowd carried placards and shouted and cheered.

There was a heavy police presence as well due to a large number of protesters also at the venue. Both segments of the crowd stayed till the time Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan were in the General Assembly.

(With PTI inputs)