In a grand gesture of diplomacy and cultural appreciation, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are preparing to greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House with vibrant peacocks and elegant lotus blooms. However, despite the occasion, the anticipated vegetarian dinner will not feature any delicacies from Modi’s home state of Gujarat.
Prime Minister Modi, who follows a vegetarian diet will be served a first course consisting of a grilled corn kernel salad complemented by a tangy avocado sauce, as confirmed by the White House. The main course will include portobello mushrooms paired with a creamy saffron-infused risotto, while a rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake will tantalize taste buds as the featured dessert.
The Bidens’ choice of cuisine reflects a longstanding White House tradition of offering foreign dignitaries a menu that subtly echoes their cultural heritage, fused with distinctive American influences. During former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s state dinner in 2009, for instance, basmati rice was served alongside White House-grown arugula and pumpkin pie tarts.
As the stage is set for this significant diplomatic event, the Bidens aim to foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the two nations, acknowledging the rich tapestry of traditions and values that unite the world’s oldest democracy with the world’s largest democracy.
Approximately 400 distinguished guests, including prominent figures like Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, are expected to attend the grand event held in a lavishly adorned pavilion on the South Lawn of the White House.
Previewing the dinner, Jill Biden emphasized the significance of the official state visit, stating, “With this official state visit, we are bringing together the world’s oldest and the world’s largest democracies,” as she spoke to reporters on Wednesday.
The evening’s entertainment will be provided by renowned American violinist Joshua Bell and Penn Masala, a captivating South Asian a cappella group hailing from the University of Pennsylvania.
The decor will seamlessly blend elements from both American and Indian cultures, prominently featuring imagery of the peacock and the bald eagle, which serve as the national birds of India and the United States, respectively.
Adding a touch of symbolism and tribute to Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, the tables will be exquisitely adorned with lotus blooms, a revered motif in Indian design.
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