Washington D.C. (USA), 23rd June 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the esteemed guest at a grand state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the South Lawn of the White House. The event was a testament to the strong partnership between the United States and India, with both leaders emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the bonds between their nations.
President Biden expressed his delight in spending a wonderful time with Prime Minister Modi, acknowledging the role of the people in strengthening the partnership between the two countries. In turn, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the special significance of the evening due to the presence of people from both India and the United States. The captivating visuals from the White House showcased the warm welcome extended by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden as they greeted PM Narendra Modi, creating a memorable atmosphere for the prestigious event.
The state dinner was attended by around 400 distinguished guests, including notable personalities from various fields. Among them were Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Arindam Bagchi, James Biden, and Anand Mahindra. The event also welcomed Huma Abedin, Apple’s Tim Cook, Martin Luther King III, Ralph Lauren, tennis legend Billie Jean King, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. First Lady Jill Biden took a special interest in creating a delightful dining experience for Prime Minister Modi, who follows a vegetarian lifestyle. She collaborated with Chef Nina Curtis, known for her expertise in plant-based cuisine, to curate an exquisite vegetarian menu for the prime minister.
The lavish event unfolded under a tent on the South Lawn, offering a breathtaking view of the Washington Monument and the White House. The menu was meticulously crafted, predominantly featuring vegetarian delicacies to accommodate Prime Minister Modi’s dietary preferences. It included mouthwatering dishes such as marinated millets, stuffed mushrooms, grilled corn kernel salad, and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. The initial dish featured marinated millet accompanied by a salad of grilled corn kernels, compressed watermelon, and a zesty avocado sauce. The main course showcased delicious stuffed portobello mushrooms served with a velvety saffron-infused risotto.
The state dinner holds significant symbolism as it takes place at the White House, the official residence of the US President, symbolizing the warm gesture of hosting a visiting dignitary in the host’s own home. White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo emphasized the personal involvement of First Lady Jill Biden throughout the planning process, ensuring that every aspect of the dinner and decor created an intimate and welcoming experience for each guest. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States, extending from June 21st to 24th, was an invitation extended by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He became the third head of state to receive such prestigious treatment during the Biden administration, following France’s Emmanuel Macron and South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yell.
Prior to the state dinner, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Modi at the White House, providing an opportunity for intimate discussions on a wide range of issues. Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, acknowledging the engaging and diverse nature of the discussions. It is important to note that the private dinner hosted by Joe Biden and Jill Biden differed from the state dinner attended by Prime Minister Modi. The intimate dinner was graced by close relatives of the Biden family. In an official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), it was confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a private engagement hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on June 21, 2023, where they gathered with their immediate family members at the White House. This special event served as a strong reaffirmation of the deep friendship shared between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States commenced in New York, where he concluded a momentous occasion at the UN Headquarters, commemorating the 9th International Day of Yoga. The event witnessed the presence of UN officials, diplomats, and prominent personalities. The invitation extended by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to Prime Minister Modi further strengthened the bilateral ties between India and the United States, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship during the state dinner at the prestigious White House.
