NOTED Indian business tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Anand Mahindra were among the esteemed guests who attended a state dinner hosted by US president Joe Biden in the honour of prime minister Narendra Modi at the White House on Thursday (22). The guest list also included influential Indian-origin executives such as Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Indra Nooyi, as well as Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Vice president Kamala Harris was also present.
Indian businessman Anand Mahindra arrives to attend the state dinner at the White House in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
Several high-ranking Indian government officials were present at the dinner, including external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, national Security advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra.
The event was also graced by the presence of US secretary of state Antony Blinken, speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. Garcetti's Indian counterpart Taranjit Singh Sandhu was also present.
Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani with wife Nita Ambani arrives to attend the state dinner at the White House in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
Indian-American representatives Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi, co-founder of Zerodha Nikhil Kamath, and renowned fashion designer Ralph Lauren were also among the notable attendees at the state dinner.
Members of the Biden family at the dinner included Hunter Biden, Ashley Biden, James Biden and Naomi Biden Neal.
Alphabet CEO, Sunder Pichai with his wife Anjali Pichai arrives to attend the state dinner at the White House in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
The gathering marked an important occasion for strengthening the bond between the US and India, as both leaders praised the contributions of Indian-Americans and highlighted the historic ties between the two nations.
Modi acknowledged the significant role Indian-Americans have played in the development of both countries and emphasised their positive impact on the India-US relationship.
US secretary of commerce Gina Raimondo (L) arrives to attend the state dinner at the White House in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
Biden, in his remarks, underscored the enduring nature of the bilateral ties and mentioned the achievements of Indian-Americans in various fields, including the arts, education, media, law, medicine, science, and business. He also acknowledged the growing popularity of cricket in the US and wished the American team success in qualifying for the upcoming Cricket World Cup in India.
To strengthen his remark that the bonds between India and the US stretch back to America's earliest days, Biden said, "In 1792, our first president, George Washington, established one of the first consulates in Calcutta (present day Kolkata), a hub of commerce and culture...."
US secretary of state Antony Blinken arrives to attend the state dinner at the White House in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
The state dinner provided an opportunity for the leaders to engage in lighthearted moments and share their appreciation for each other's hospitality. Modi, reflecting on a previous dinner hosted for him in 2014, expressed gratitude for Biden's consideration of his dietary restrictions during the Navratri fast.
US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti (R) arrives to attend the state dinner at the White House in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
Members of the Indian diaspora accord a warm welcome to prime minister Narendra Modi (unseen) on his arrival at White House, in Washington DC, US, on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (ANI Photo)
Overall, the event showcased the deepening friendship between India and the US, with a focus on the achievements and contributions of Indian-Americans. The presence of influential personalities from various sectors highlighted the dynamic and energetic nature of the India-US relationship, symbolising the shared values and mutual respect between the two nations.
(With agency inputs)
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