The Much awaited Howdy Modi event in Houston Texas has finally concluded. While the memories, electric atmosphere and rousing speeches will remain with people who attended, in terms of strategic importance, here are the key takeaways:-

• Islamic Terrorism - There is was an open recognition of Islamic Terror as biggest enemy of common citizens of both the countries. While Donald Trump openly mentioned Radical Islamic Terror, PM Modi targeted the biggest sanctuary of Islamic terror in the world with most UN designated terrorists i.e., Pakistan. PM Modi directly linked 9/11 and 26/11 with Pakistan since Pakistan harbored perpetrators of both of these. Both the mentions were reciprocated with huge applause and standing ovation for Trump. This goes on to show how much congruence is there.

• De-Hyphenation: The treatment given to PM Modi clearly de-hyphenated India from any other country especially Pakistan. Last time Imran Khan was in US, he was received by a junior officer and Pakistan was accused of cheating US by President Trump in front of Imran khan during joint press conference.

• Assertive American Indians: American Indians have been less politically assertive unlike people of other background. There has been a general notion that most American Indians would vote for Democrats blindly. But this new found assertiveness in their Indian identity and their confidence about their place in American society, American Indians are now not afraid of thinking differently. If the huge applause and standing ovations for both Donald Trump and PM Modi’s endorsement for Donald Trump are signs of coming times, the Democratic Party needs introspection.

• Illegal Immigrants: While India suffers from the issue of millions of illegal Bangladesh immigrants, US suffers from the same Issue from its southern border. Donald Trump mentions issue of illegal immigrants wherever he speaks because it is one of his electoral promises. Meanwhile India is also getting ready for a Pan India NRC. India and USA may get each other’s support on this issue.

• Trade promotion: Indian companies investing in USA and US Companies investing in India was mentioned by Donald Trump. India and US, both have many trade related issues. PM Modi and President Trump called each other tough negotiator also. But there is a possibility of a trade relation fair to both countries. Any such cooperation would be problematic for countries using unfair trade practices (Read China). In past few years US has tightened its noose around such countries, especially China. Despite many disputes, India and US have been able to increase trade and Investment, opposite to US China trade. If US applies fair trade practices more, not only will it gain more manufacturing jobs in US, it will also make Multinationals to choose cheaper locations. Right now, the cost advantage is with India, not China.

• Personal Rapport: The personal rapport between PM Modi and President Trump must have created ripples. This will disturb the policymakers in both Beijing and Rawalpindi. The popular ploy used by Chinese to create border skirmishes before India visit may not be used this time. Post Doklam it is already irrelevant. Also, the overselling of Imran’s visit to US would not be possible this time. HowdyModi has raised the bar so high that it would be next to impossible for Imran Khan to Match. Last time when Pakistanis were celebrating that Trump has agreed to intervene in Kashmir issue, Art 370 was removed. This time around they would be too wary to celebrate.

There are many things that Howdymodi achieved which we will come to know later when the things develop, but one thing is sure, it has given a huge momentum and endorsement to India in the global community. It has not only showed the world the importance of world’s biggest democracy but also the importance of Indian Diaspora which contributes wherever it goes. PM Modi would be in US for few days. Many important things are going to happen. Keep checking this space..