(CNN) A pair of world leaders held court Sunday in a departure from the usual rallies attended by President Donald Trump.

Breaking away from the staid formality of meetings at the White House, Trump took the stage with Modi at an event dubbed "Howdy, Modi!" at NRG Stadium. Roughly 50,000 people -- many from the city's large Indian diaspora -- were registered to attend.

Trump credited the Indian-American community with "helping to strengthen our country and build our future," citing its contributions to medicine, business and technology.

The President praised Modi's leadership and touted the "stronger than ever before" relationship with India. He said India "has never had a better friend as President than President Donald Trump."

Read More