PM Reminisces How Trump Walked With Him Without Security At 'Howdy Modi' Event

During an interview with American podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminisced about a key moment from the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston, where he shared the stage with US President Donald Trump.

He described the event as unforgettable due to the overwhelming presence of the Indian diaspora and the unexpected security situation that unfolded.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

PM Modi recounted that after delivering his speech, he approached Trump to express his gratitude and casually suggested they walk around the stadium to greet the audience.

"I went to him to thank him and casually said, if you don't mind, why don't we take a lap around the stadium," he recalled. "There are so many people here; let's walk, wave, and greet them," he added.

Acknowledging the stringent security measures in the United States, PM Modi emphasised that such a request was highly unusual. "In American life, it is almost impossible for a president to walk around in the presence of thousands of people," he noted.

However, he said that Trump agreed without hesitation and immediately started walking, taking his security team by surprise. "His entire security detail was thrown off guard," he said. "But for me, that moment was truly touching. It demonstrated his courage," he added.

Drawing a comparison between himself and Donald Trump, PM Modi also reflected on last year's assassination attempt on the former US president.

"When Trump was shot during a recent campaign ahead of the US elections, I saw the same resilient and determined President Trump-the one who walked hand in hand with me in that stadium," he said.

"Even after being shot, he remained unwaveringly dedicated to America. His life is for his nation. His reflection showed his 'America First' spirit, just as I believe in 'India First.' I stand for 'India First,' and that is why we connect so well. These are the things that truly resonate," he added.

Trump survived an assassination attempt during his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, an attack that resulted in the deaths of a spectator and the gunman.

This marks PM Modi's second podcast appearance, following his conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath last month.