Intimate And Welcoming: PM Modi Honored At Prestigious White House State Dinner
Washington D.C. (USA), 23rd June 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the South Lawn of the White House. During his speech at the State Dinner, President Biden expressed his delight in spending a wonderful time with PM Modi, emphasizing that the people of both nations strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in turn, acknowledged the special significance of the evening due to the presence of people from both countries. Captivating visuals from the White House showcased
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden warmly welcoming PM Narendra Modi as they made their way to the grand dinner venue reserved for the distinguished guest.
Around 400 guests, including notable personalities such as Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Arindam Bagchi, James Biden, and Anand Mahindra, also graced the occasion at the White House. Noteworthy attendees included 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, on Wednesday, shared that she had enlisted the expertise of Chef Nina Curtis, who specializes in plant-based cuisine, to collaborate with the White House staff and create an exquisite vegetarian menu for Prime Minister Modi, who follows a devout vegetarian lifestyle.
This lavish event unfolded under a tent on the South Lawn, offering a picturesque view of the Washington Monument and the White House. The meticulously curated menu, predominantly featuring vegetarian delicacies to accommodate the dietary preferences of the esteemed prime minister, included marinated millets, stuffed mushrooms, grilled corn kernel salad, and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. The initial dish featured marinated millet, a salad of grilled corn kernels, compressed watermelon, and a zesty avocado sauce. The featured main course highlighted delectable stuffed portobello
mushrooms accompanied by 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, reflectingthe warm gesture of hosting a visiting dignitary in the host’s own home. White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo, providing a preview of the event, emphasized the personal involvement of the First Lady throughout the planning process. Elizondo stated that every aspect of the dinner and decor was thoughtfully chosen to create an intimate and welcoming experience for each guest. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States, spanning from June 21st to 24th, was extended as an invitation by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He became the third head of state to be accorded 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, where they engaged in discussions on a wide range of issues. Modi expressed his gratitude by tweeting, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to @POTUS @JoeBiden and @FLOTUS @DrBiden for graciously hosting me at the White House today.” Our discussion encompassed a diverse range of topics and proved to be incredibly engaging. It is important to note that the private dinner hosted by Joe Biden and Jill Biden differed from the state dinner that Prime Minister Modi attended. The intimate dinner was graced by the 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 On June 21, 2023, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden gathered with their immediate family members at the White House. It was a momentous occasion, as the President and First Lady welcomed their loved ones in the historic residence. The statement highlighted that Modi’s involvement in this exceptional event served as a strong reaffirmation of the deep friendship shared between the two nations.
Modi arrived in Washington D.C. In New York, he had just concluded a momentous occasion at the UN Headquarters, marking the commemoration of the 9th International Day of Yoga. The event was attended by UN officials, diplomats, and prominent personalities. The Prime Minister’s visit to the United States occurred at the invitation of President Joe Biden and the First Lady, extending from June 21st to 24th.
