Howdy, Modi!: US President Donald Trump hints he might visit India for NBA next month

President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the greatest friends of the United States and said he is doing a great job with the people of India. He also said that the ties between India and the US are stronger than ever.

"I am so thrilled to be here with one of America's greatest friend PM Modi of India. PM Modi is doing a great job with the people of India, " Trump said while addressing Indian-Americans at 'Howdy Modi!' event in Houston.

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Speaking at the NRG stadium which is hosting the first of its kind event in honour of PM Modi, Trump also hinted that he might visit the country next month to witness India's first NBA game. 

"Very soon India will have access to another world-class American product - NBA basketball. Wow, sounds good. Next week thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come."

Aftrer Trump, PM Modi also addressed the Indian-Americans community and invited Trump and his family to visit India.

"Mr President Trump I want you to come to India, with your family. Our friendship will take our shared dreams and our vibrant future to new heights."

Upon his arrival, Trump was welcomed by Modi who hailed the US President for his sense of leadership.

Modi, in his style, vouched for Trump ahead of 2020 presidential polls, saying "ab ki baar Trump sarkar" - modifying the 'Ab ki Baar Modi sarkar' slogan coined for the 2014BJP election campaign.

National Basketball Association (NBA) India on September 12 announced that the first-ever NBA game in the country will be organised in October in Mumbai.

The NBA India Games 2019 will feature the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers who will play two pre-season games on October 4 and 5 at the Dome, NSCI, SVP Stadium in Mumbai.

This will mark the first games that teams from a North American sports league will play in India.

(With inputs from agencies)