India’s Power Minister attends community reception, visits NASA and prepares for G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting
India’s Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, met members of the Indian diaspora in Houston on September 13, as part of his visit to the United States for the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting.
The minister attended a public reception hosted by the Indian community at India House, Houston, where he interacted with professionals, entrepreneurs, students, cultural leaders and representatives of regional associations.
Consul General of India in Houston D.C. Manjunath welcomed Manohar Lal and acknowledged his engagement with the diaspora during the visit.
The Haryanvi community, represented by HARIT, also met the minister. Manohar Lal highlighted the longstanding people-to-people ties between India and the United States and recognised the diaspora’s contribution to the economic, cultural and social life of both countries.
Earlier in the day, he attended a Hindi Diwas 2026 programme organised by the Consulate General of India, Houston, in collaboration with the International Hindi Association’s Houston chapter.
Addressing the gathering, Manohar Lal praised efforts to promote Hindi and strengthen cultural connections between India and the Indian community overseas
During his visit to the consulate, the minister also planted a tree under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The activity marked the start of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 at the consulate, being observed under the theme ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.
Manohar Lal also visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he toured the facility and discussed opportunities to expand India-US cooperation in the space sector. He thanked William T. Harris, President and CEO of Space Center Houston, for welcoming him and guiding the visit.
The minister is in Houston from September 14 to 16 for the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting. Ministers and senior representatives are discussing energy security, affordability, accessibility and the changing global energy landscape.
India’s participation reflects its efforts to support international cooperation on secure, reliable and sustainable energy.
