In a display of diplomatic relations and economic aspirations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his first official state visit to the United States. The visit was marked by a state dinner held at the White House, where the crème de la crème of Silicon Valley’s technology industry, prominent executives, and celebrities gathered to honour the Indian leader. This high-profile event underscored PM Modi’s efforts to position India as a key manufacturing and technology partner for the United States while enhancing its global diplomatic and economic engagements.
Amid discussions on trade and cooperation in various sectors, the evening was marked by a specially curated vegetarian menu that blended American cuisine with Indian flavours. Let’s delve into the details of the state dinner, attended by over 400 eminent guests, and the highlights of PM Modi’s visit.
The Guest List
The state dinner witnessed the presence of influential figures from both the corporate and entertainment worlds. CEOs such as Tim Cook (Apple Inc.), Sundar Pichai (Alphabet Inc.), Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo and Satya Nadella (Microsoft Corp.) attended the event, emphasising PM Modi’s efforts to position India as a manufacturing and technology partner. Celebrities like filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria, and media scion James Murdoch added a touch of glamour to the evening. The presence of Indian business tycoons Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, and Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, along with young founders like Sam Altman of OpenAI and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath,.among others, highlighted India’s growing stature as a global economic player.
The Menu
In recognition of PM Modi’s vegetarian lifestyle, First Lady Jill Biden collaborated with guest chef Nina Curtis, known for her innovative plant-based cuisine, to craft a remarkable menu. The first course featured a refreshing combination of marinated millet, grilled corn kernel salad, compressed watermelon, and a tangy avocado sauce. The main course featured stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto.
The menu also accommodated guests‘ preferences by offering sumac-roasted sea bass with lemon-dill yoghurt sauce, crisped millet cakes, and summer squashes upon request. For dessert, guests savoured a delightful rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake. The menu was a true fusion of American cuisine with Indian elements, harmonising diverse flavours and culinary traditions.
Here is the menu, as released by the White House
First course
Marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad
Compressed watermelon
Tangy avocado sauce
Main Course
Stuffed portobello mushrooms, “roasted to perfection,” as Curtis put it
Creamy saffron-infused risotto
Upon request
Sumac-roasted sea bass
Lemon-dill yogurt sauce
Crisped millet cakes
Summer squashes
Dessert
Rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake
Wines
Stone Tower chardonnay “Kristi” 2021
PATEL red blend 2019
Domain Carneros brut rosé
The Decor
The decor of the state dinner venue paid homage to the traditions and cultures of both the United States and India. Inspired by India’s national bird, the peacock, the design elements evoked the bird’s majestic beauty and strength. The Indian flag and the American eagle were artfully incorporated into the backdrop, framing the leaders with their respective national symbols.
The venue was adorned with green draping, symbolising the peacock’s vibrant plumage, while tables were adorned with rich blues and greens reminiscent of Indian silks. Lotus flowers, significant symbols in Indian culture, were prominently featured, reflecting the blooming partnership between the two nations. The decor created a visually stunning atmosphere, blending elements of tradition, diplomacy, and celebration.
Entertainment and Cultural Showcases
The evening’s entertainment featured Grammy-award winning violinist Joshua Bell, Penn Masala (a South Asian acappella group), and the United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra. Their performances added vibrancy and cultural diversity to the state dinner, underscoring the shared heritage and artistic exchange between the United States and India. These artists, with their unique talents and international acclaim, captivated the audience and contributed to the celebratory atmosphere.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Engagements
PM Modi’s visit to the United States spanned several significant engagements. Prior to the state dinner, he led a commemorative event at the United Nations Headquarters to mark the International Day of Yoga. The visit aimed to bolster India’s diplomatic and economic engagements globally and foster its role as a technology and manufacturing partner. Key commercial deals were announced, including collaborations between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for engine manufacturing, General Atomics‘ provision of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, and Micron’s plans for a semiconductor facility in India.
