Kashmiri Pandits hail Modi on abrogation of Art 370, Sikhs call him ‘tiger’

Houston, US: On the first day of his US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Indian diaspora on Sunday including two minority groups and one community linked to Jammu and Kashmir – a province that saw actions vis-a-vis bifurcation and abrogation of the special Article 370.

“I had a special interaction with Kashmiri Pandits in Houston,” Mr Modi tweeted.

The Kasmiri Pandit community ‘unequivocally supported’ Government of India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate the erstwhile development-starved and militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir.

‘In Houston, a delegation of the Kashmiri Pandit community met the Prime Minister. They unequivocally supported the steps being taken for the progress of India and empowerment of every Indian, said the PMO in its tweet.

This is Prime Minister’s first visit to the US since August 5 when his government decided to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate J&K into Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
The backing of Kashmiri Pandit community vis-s-vis government actions in Jammu and Kashmir at international fora gives a large message about the province which once suffered immensely due to terrorism aided and abetted by Pakistani elements.

During interaction with the delegation including women, Prime Minister told them “…..you have suffered a lot together, now we have to build a new Kashmir”.

Prime Minister Modi was also felicitated by delegations of Dawoodi Bohra community and the Sikh community here on the very first day of his seven-day trip to the US.

The Prime Minister met the Dawoodi Bohra community which recalled Mr Modi’s visit to Indore last year to attend a programme.

‘The Dawoodi Bohra community felicitates PM Narendra Modi in Houston. They recall PM Modi’s visit to Indore last year to attend a programme of their community as well as highlight PM Modi’s association with Syedna Sahib,’ according to a PMO missive.

In his tweet, Mr Modi wrote – “The Dawoodi Bohra community has distinguished itself across the world. In Houston, I had the opportunity to spend time with them and speak about a wide range of issues”.

The Dawoodi Bohras are a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam and live abundantly in Gujarat.

Large populations of Dawoodi Bohras also reside in Pakistan, Yemen, East Africa and the Middle East.

There are also significant numbers living in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.

On his interaction with a Sikh delegation, he said: “I had an excellent interaction with the Sikh Community in Houston. I am delighted to see their passion towards India’s development”.

A Sikh delegation leader described Mr Modi as “our tiger” and went onto remark – “He is a man who we call Iron Man”.

The delegation wanted quick actions for opening Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as well.

Petronet signs MoU for 5 MTPA LNG import with US company Tellurian

 

Houston:India’s Petronet signed an MoU for 5 Metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG import with US liquefied natural gas (LNG) developer Tellurian Inc on Sunday.
On the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting Energy Sector CEOs in Houston, Tellurian and Petronet LNG Limited India (PLL) signed the MoU for up to 5 Million tonnes of LNG through equity investment in Driftwood.

Prime Minister Modi concluded a fruitful interaction with top energy sector CEOs at a round table meeting in Houston, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

‘Getting straight to business. PM Narendra Modi just concluded a fruitful interaction with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting in Houston.’

The discussion focused on working together for energy security and expanding mutual investment opportunities between India and the US, he wrote.

“Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM Narendra Modi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector,” the missive in the micro blogging site by PMO said earlier.

Top representatives and CEOs from major energy sector players like BP, Exxon Mobil, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Vinmar International, Cheniere Energy, Dominion Energy, IHS Markit, and Emerson Electric Company attended the meet.

US Ambassador to India Ken Juster was also present.

Mr Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary VIjay Gokhale and Indian ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla at the meeting.

‘It’s a bright afternoon here in Houston. Looking forward to a wide range of programmes in this dynamic and energetic city,” PM Modi said in his first tweet since arrival here.

India is expanding its pipeline network and building new LNG import terminals to encourage the use of cleaner fuel.

Mr Modi has set a target to raise the share of natural gas in India’s overall energy mix to 15 per cent in the next few years from about 6.5 per cent.

PM Modi’s small but telling gesture: Swachchta Hi Seva on American land

On his arrival at Houston airport for week long America visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomes at the airport. He pickes up a portion of bouquet that fell on the ground by himself in a small but significant gesture in spirit of SwachchtaHiSewa.

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