Article 370 will of parliament, must applaud it: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared from the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ stage in Houston, in the presence of US President Donald Trump, that the withdrawal of Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir was the will of Parliament.

“Article 370 was preventing development to reach the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Let me remind you that in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) we don’t enjoy majority. Yet, both Houses of Parliament supported this decision with two-thirds majority. I ask you to give them a standing ovation,” said Modi, amid huge applause.

Addressing a power-packed audience that included US senators and Congress representatives from both parties, Modi said only one country that has failed itself is criticising this decision.


“This country has supported terrorism… and on this, I must thank President Trump for his full support,” he said.

A large round of applause broke out at the event when PM Modi said, “Ab ki Baar, Trump Sarkar.”

The Prime Minister began his speech by identifying unity in diversity as the cornerstone of Indian democracy. “You ask me ‘Howdy, Modi’. I am just an ordinary person. But I will reply by saying ‘everything is fine in India’.”

Working on Defence Deals: Trump
Earlier, President Trump promised to safeguard the interests of Indian Americans while praising their contribution to the American economy. “We are honoured to have you [the Indians] as Americans.”

Trump asserted that India “never had a better friend in the White House than President Donald Trump”.

What was also music to India’s ears was the US President’s emphasis on strong border security and fight against radical Islamic terrorism. He said Washington is working with New Delhi to finalise new defence deals and “enhance space cooperation”.

Trump described PM Modi as America’s “greatest and most loyal friend”, who was doing an “exceptional job for India”. “Under PM Narendra Modi, the world is witnessing a strong, thriving and sovereign India,” Trump said.

Praising PM Modi’s economic steps, Trump said, “As a result of PM Narendra Modi’s pro-growth policies, India has lifted nearly 300 million out of poverty.” This is PM Modi’s first visit to the US since his re-election in May, and his third meeting with President Trump in as many months. The two leaders are expected to meet again for the bilateral summit on Tuesday, and later on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 27.