Minister Manohar Lal arrives in Houston for G20 Summit; lauds diaspora, Hindi heritage

Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal arrived in Houston on Sunday to represent India at the G20 Energy Ministers' meeting, being held amid significant pressure on global crude supplies due to the wars in Iran and Ukraine.

India's Consul General in Houston, C Manjunath, received the minister at the airport.

The G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Abundance, being held from Monday to Wednesday under the US G20 Presidency, is expected to bring together key global leaders, including US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and White House official Jarrod Agen.


Ahead of the ministerial summit, the Indian diaspora hosted a reception for Manohar Lal at India House on Sunday evening.

Addressing professionals, entrepreneurs, students and cultural leaders, including representatives of regional associations such as HARIT (Haryanvi Association of North America), ICC, IACCGH and SEWA, the minister praised the community for maintaining its cultural ties with India while making significant contributions to the social and economic fabric of the US.

Consul General Manjunath delivered the formal welcome address and highlighted the minister's decade-long record in public governance and citizen-centric leadership in India.

Earlier on Sunday, Manohar Lal attended a literary gathering co-hosted by the Consulate General of India, Houston, and the International Hindi Association (Houston Chapter) to mark Hindi Diwas 2026.

Speaking about the richness, inclusivity and global reach of Hindi, the minister called on Indian-Americans to preserve and promote their native language and ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots.

As part of his official engagements on the sidelines of the summit, Manohar Lal also visited NASA's Johnson Space Centre. Space Centre Houston President and CEO William T Harris personally guided the delegation through the facility, after which discussions were held on expanding bilateral strategic cooperation in the space sector and space-based technologies.

At the Consulate premises, the minister launched CGI Houston's participation in the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign by planting a sapling under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" movement. He also urged the diaspora to make environmental responsibility part of their daily lives under the theme "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat."

During the three-day G20 Energy Ministerial, Manohar Lal is scheduled to participate in sessions focused on energy security and affordable baseload power, permitting and regulatory efficiency, and critical minerals and resilient supply chains.

The Indian delegation will push for pragmatic, technology-neutral approaches to modern infrastructure while highlighting domestic reforms aimed at streamlining permitting processes and diversifying critical mineral supply chains.

(With PTI inputs)