5 key takeaways: PM Modi, Trump meeting at 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston

PM Modi and President Trump came together to address the Indian-American community at 'Howdy, Modi' event at the NRG Stadium in Houston with both leaders pledging to further strengthen India-US ties.

Trump outlined that both India and the United States are committed to protecting civilians from radical Islamic terrorism. 

Sending a strong anti-terror message, Trump said, "We will jointly fight radical Islamic terrorists." "In November, we will conduct a tri-service military exercise," the US president added.

"To keep our security safe we must protect our border. Border security is vital to the two countries."

"India gave a farewell to Article 370," PM Modi said adding that it "denied Kashmiris their rights."

Addressing the audience of nearly 50,000 Indian-Americans, PM Modi asked people to give a standing ovation to Indian parliamentarians for their nod to repeal Article 370. 

"Article 370 had deprived people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh of development. Terrorist and separatist elements were misusing the situation. Now after abrogation, people there have got equal rights."

Referring to Pakistan, PM Modi said, "Some people have a problem with the abrogation of article 370, these are the same people who can't govern their own country properly."

"These are the same people who shield terrorism and nurture it. The whole world knows them very well," PM Modi added.

During his speech, Trump announced that "several defence deals" were in the works.

India and America will also increase space cooperation, the President assured adding that the two countries will also hold a tri-service military exercise in November.

Pitching India as an attractive investment destination, PM Modi said that norms on single-brand retail had been eased, coal mining and contract manufacturing was open for 100 per cent FDI investment and "big" reduction in corporate tax will make India more globally competitive. 

He said CEOs of energy companies, whom he met yesterday, were "very enthusiastic" about government's recent decision to reduce corporate tax.