US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House for the State dinner on June 22 evening (June 23 IST). Around 400 guests were invited to the dinner.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani also attended the US State dinner.

#WATCH | Mukesh Ambani & Nita Ambani arrive at the White House for the State Dinner@narendramodi @JoeBiden @PMOIndia #ModiInUSA #IndiaUSRelations #PMModiUSVisit #ModiUSVisit2023 #NarendraModi #HistoricStateVisit2023 #IndiaUSAPartnership #USWelcomesModi #CNBCTV18Digital pic.twitter.com/w7hHtVdWxg

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) June 23, 2023

The guest list also included Indra Nooyi, Anand Mahindra, Nikhil Kamath, Antony Blinken, Shantanu Narayen, Eric Garcetti, Kevin McCarthy, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, and Gina Raimondo.

The US President and the PM raised a toast at the State dinner, which left the Prime Minister laughing. The Prime Minister said he had fun, wide-ranging conversations, but felt like they were running out of time. He said the evening was made special by the presence of the people of both countries, their "most precious assets". The PM joked that Americans now dance to 'Naatu Naatu' and Indians dress up as Spiderman for Halloween.

He told the US President that he is soft-spoken, but when it comes to taking action, he is very strong. "You have turned every resolve into opportunity," he told Biden.

US President Joe Biden then raised a non-alcoholic toast, which left the Prime Minister and the guests laughing at the State dinner. Both, Biden and Modi are teetotalers, which led the former to recount his gradfather's advice when one has to raise a toast without alcohol. "If you give a toast and you don't have alcohol in the glass, you must do so with your left hand. You all think I'm kidding. I'm not," he said.

"To all the possibilities that lay ahead. Two great friends, two great nations, two great powers," said Biden.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, at the State Dinner at the White House. pic.twitter.com/r0LkOADAZ6

— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2023

The US Presidents typically host a state dinner to honour a visiting head of government or reigning monarch. According to The White House Historical Association, a state dinner is one of the grandest affairs of the White House and is a way to break bread with leaders of friendly nations.

The state dinner and PM Modi’s state visit itself is a nod to New Delhi’s rise as America’s crucial global partner. The significance of this event can be gauged by the fact that President Biden has only twice previously extended such an invitation in his term so far – to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and French President Emmanuel Macron.

A day before the dinner, First Lady Jill Biden had given a preview of what it would be like. Guests attending the state dinner will make their way across the South Lawn, with the pathway leading them to a beautifully decorated pavilion, she said. The saffron-coloured flowers hold cultural significance for India. Saffron is a vibrant shade that holds deep symbolism in Indian traditions. It represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, embodying the rich heritage and values of the Indian people. The combination of greens and saffron creates a captivating tapestry of colours, reflecting the essence of the Indo-US partnership.

Jill Biden worked closely with renowned guest Chef Nina Curtis, White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison to craft the menu. The culinary team has crafted a menu that combines international flavours and top-notch ingredients. It features a range of tempting options.

Marinated millet, corn kernel salad, stuffed mushrooms and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake are on the menu for the 400 guests who have been invited.

The evening also promises to be a musical delight with Grammy award winner Joshua Bell and the acapella group Penn Masala taking the stage.

Catch LIVE updates of PM Modi's US visit here

First Published:Jun 23, 2023 5:10 AM IST