Courting the Indian diaspora with rock star-style tour on the second day of his three-day visit to the UK, the first by an Indian head of government in 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi got a rapturous welcome when he reached one of Britain’s most famous sporting venues. An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people were present at the event, according to the organisers.
“Your warm welcome makes me feel home,” Modi told the biggest gathering of Indian diaspora he has ever addressed since assuming office in May 2014.
Modi was introduced to the gathering by British Prime Minister David Cameron, whose wife Samantha, draped in a saree, was also present.
Cameron greeted the assembled audience with a “Namaste” which drew loud cheers and followed up with another greeting “’kem chho’ (How are you?) Wembley” in Gujarati. He renewed his pitch for India getting a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.
Britain has a 1.5 million-strong Indian diaspora population. The event was held in a carnival atmosphere following celebrations for Diwali.
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