Highlights: Narendra Modi’s speech at Madison Square

Indian-American men, women and children wearing colourful Indian attire have gathered to greet the prime minister since early morning to hear him speak with long lines of people waiting to enter the venue.

Modi’s fans were seen carrying the Indian tricolour and wore traditional Indian garb with several groups of performers carrying drums and ‘dhols’ to give him a rousing welcome.

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Follow all the live updates here.

8.26 pm: Miss America Nina Davuluri is MC for this event.

8.28 pm: The event kicked off with artists performing a number from Sharukh Kahn’s ‘Chakde India’ and Bruce Springsteen’s classic ‘Born in the USA’.

8.30 pm: On stage, are artists performing Gujarati folk dance.

8.43 pm: Playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy begins her performance with “I Love My India”.

9.00 pm: Members of Alliance for Justice and Accountablity holding a protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday.

(Source: PTI)

9.10 pm:  Supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi fill Madison Square Garden before before a reception by the Indian community in honor of Modi’s visit to the United States, Sunday.

9.15 pm: A painter creates a portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi onstage as singer singer Kavitha Krishnamurthy, far left, performs during a reception by the Indian community in honor of the prime minister’s visit to the United States at Madison Square Garden.

9.30 pm: Traditional dancers perform during a reception by the Indian community in honor of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States at Madison Square Garden.

9.42 pm: Modi arrives at Madison Square to a rousing reception by the crowd. Chants of “Modi, Modi…” ring through the 18,000 capacity stadium.

9.44 pm: The Indian anthem was sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy.

9.50 pm: Modi wishes every Indian a Happy Navaratri.

9.54 pm: There was a time when India was considered a land of snake charmers,thanks to you people and Information technology that the perception about our country has changed: PM Narendra Modi.

9.55 pm: Unlike our ancestors we play with mouse (referring to computers and IT), says Modi.

10.00 pm: I convey my thanks to all those who came to India during election campaign, says Modi.

10.05 pm: There is an atmosphere of hope and enthusiasm. India wants change, says Modi.

10.06 pm: 

We will be successful is fulfilling the aspirations of the people: PM Narendra Modi in New York City

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2014

10.08 pm: India has immense capabilities and possibilities, says Modi.

10.12 pm:

Winning elections is not about any post or chair. It is a responsibility. Since taking over, I haven’t even taken a 15 min vacation: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2014

10.15 pm: I might live miles away from you, But I do understand your issues: PM Modi.

10.22 pm:

Mahatma Gandhi made the freedom struggle a mass movement. Every Indian felt that yes, I am also a part of the freedom struggle: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2014

10.26 pm:

World will not have enough young people to work. We will cater to the manpower requirement: @narendramodi #namoInMadison

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 28, 2014

10.28 pm: For us, it took only Rs 7 per km to reach Mars, says Narendra Modi.

10.30 pm: We have given importance to skill development. We created a separate Ministry for skill development, says Modi.

10.34 pm:

I invite you all to participate in Make in India, says @narendramodi http://t.co/Ld4LiVC6UY #namoInMadison

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 28, 2014

10.36 pm:

I request you all to look at MyGov. Please visit the website and see how you can get involved: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2014

10.40 pm: Cleanliness of river Ganga is necessary, says Narendra Modi from Madison Square.

10.45 pm: PIO card holders – they have lot of visa issues. We decided they will get lifelong visas, says Modi.

10.50 pm:

Those who stay in India for long have to go to police stations too. They won’t have to do that now: PM on issues of PIO card holders

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 28, 2014

11.00 pm: Modi concludes his speech saying “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”.

Excitement builds up at Madison Square before Modi’s speech.