Tech titans and billionaire magnates, including Mukesh Ambani, Sunder Pichai, and Tim Cook, graced the White House State Dinner in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. The distinguished guest list comprised over 400 attendees, treated to a predominantly vegetarian menu that accommodated the dietary preferences of the visiting prime minister. Delectable dishes such as marinated millets, stuffed mushrooms, grilled corn kernel salad, and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake were served at the lavishly decorated pavilion on the South Lawn of the White House, courtesy of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
During his speech at the State Dinner, Prime Minister Modi commended the contributions of Indian Americans to the holistic progress of their adopted nation, emphasizing their significant role in strengthening the India-US relationship. He acknowledged the gathering of exceptionally talented and remarkable individuals, expressing gratitude to President Biden and the first lady for their gracious hospitality and raising a toast to his "wonderful" hosts. The prime minister delivered his address in Hindi, with English translations provided.
The event witnessed the presence of renowned figures such as Anand Mahindra, Indira Nooyi, Satya Nadella, and Shantanu Narayen, along with Microsoft and Adobe CEOs. The sumptuous meal featured marinated millet, grilled corn kernel salad, and compressed watermelon with tangy avocado sauce as the first course, followed by stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto as the main course.
As the world’s oldest and largest democracies and as key security providers in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and India are a combined force for global good.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 23, 2023
Today’s State Visit will take U.S.-India ties to the next level as we build the future we want to see. pic.twitter.com/ShGPZ3DcqP
Additionally, dishes like sumac-roasted sea bass, lemon-dill yogurt sauce, crisped millet cakes, and summer squashes were prepared upon guest requests. The dessert served was a delightful rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. The wine selection included Stone Tower Chardonnay "Kristi" 2021, PATEL Red Blend 2019, and Domain Carneros Brut Rose.
Notable personalities in attendance ranged from human rights activist Martin Luther King III and tennis legend Billie Jean King to filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Grammy award winner Joshua Bell, and entrepreneur Frank Islam. Indian American lawmakers such as Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi were also present. Vice President Kamala Harris, who will host a luncheon for Prime Minister Modi, joined the dinner as well. India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended alongside US diplomats and members of the Biden administration.
I promised to share some images from the State Dinner in Washington in honour of @PMOIndia at the White House. It was a pleasant surprise to see how the dominant theme of the evening—apart from the cuisine—was music. From the very start to the finish… (1/5) pic.twitter.com/cnNjiE1r6C
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 23, 2023
Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US, spanning from June 21 to 24, was at the invitation of President Joe Biden and the First Lady. The White House Social Secretary, Carlos Elizondo, highlighted the active involvement of the First Lady in curating the event, ensuring a personalized and warm experience for each guest. The decor incorporated elements that paid homage to the traditions and cultures of both the US and India, featuring the Indian flag among its focal points.
