Border security vital to US, India: Trump at ''Howdy, Modi'' event

Houston, September 22

US President Donald Trump on Sunday vowed to protect innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism and said border security is vital to both America and India as he emphasised on bolstering further the Indo-US security relationship.

Addressing a record crowd of 50,000 Indian-Americans at the ‘Howdy, Modi’ event in the packed NRG stadium in Houston in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said the countries will soon sign several defence deals to bolster their relationship.

“We are committed to protect innocent civilians from the threat of radical Islamic terrorism,” the US president said.

“India and US also understand that to keep our community safe, we must protect our borders. Border security is vital to the United States. Border Security is vital to India. And we understand that,” Trump said as Prime Minister Modi was seen clapping.

India to have first NBA basketball next week: President Trump   

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that India will soon have access to another world class American product - NBA basketball.

Trump, who was speaking at the NRG stadium to over 50,000 Indian-Americans, said that America is committed to ensure Indians have access to the finest goods in the world, products stamped with the beautiful phrase ‘Make in USA’.

“And very soon, India will have access to another world class American product- NBA basketball. Wow, sounds good. Next week, thousands of people will gather in Mumbai to watch the first-ever, NBA basketball game in India,” Trump said.

“Am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful, I may come,” he said laughingly as Prime Minster Modi laughed.

Earlier this month, the National Basketball Association said 3,000 students from over 70 schools will be extended invitations for the first-ever NBA game in India to be played in Mumbai in October.

The NBA sides Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers will play two pre-season games on October 4 and 5 in front of students under the Reliance Foundation Jr NBA programme.

The NBA India Games will mark the first games that teams from a North American sports league will play in India. — PTI