Indian Americans have played a pivotal role in the comprehensive progress of the nation they call home, while also forging and reinforcing the bilateral relationship between India and the United States. On June 22, 2023, during the State Dinner hosted in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the North Lawn of the White House, these accomplishments were duly acknowledged.
Distinguished guests, numbering over 400, were extended invitations to this grand affair. Among the attendees were illustrious personalities from the technology sector and billionaire industrialists, including Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra, Sunder Pichai (CEO of Google), Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft), and Tim Cook (CEO of Apple).
Prime Minister Modi, in his address at the State Dinner, raised a toast to his "wonderful" hosts, wishing them good health, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness. He also toasted to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, as well as the everlasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States.
He expressed his delight at the increasing familiarity and understanding between Indians and Americans, noting that they can now pronounce each other's names correctly and comprehend each other's accents better. In a lighthearted remark, the Prime Minister mentioned that on Halloween, children in India transform into Spider Man, while America's youth groove to the tune of "Naatu Naatu" [a popular Indian song].
While acknowledging Americans' love for baseball, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the rising popularity of cricket in the U.S., mentioning that the American team is striving to qualify for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India later that year. He extended his best wishes and expressed hope for their success.
Addressing President Biden, Prime Minister Modi commended him for assembling an exceptional and remarkable gathering. He emphasized that these individuals symbolize the essence of India-U.S. relations—its energy, dynamism, and the spirit of both nations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significant contributions of Indian Americans in the United States, stating that they take pride in India's values, democratic traditions, and rich culture. They have consistently found a place of respect in America's melting pot and have played a vital role in fortifying the inclusive society and economy of the United States. From hospitals to hotels, universities to research labs, gas stations to logistics management, Indian Americans have left an indelible mark in various sectors.
President Biden, in his remarks, acknowledged that the bonds between India and the United States have endured since America's early days. He noted that as early as 1792, George Washington, the first U.S. president, established one of the first consulates in Calcutta—a center of commerce and culture.
The President further highlighted the achievements of the Indian diaspora across different fields, from arts and education to media, law, medicine, science, and businesses of all sizes. He mentioned the Spelling Bee champions, as well as cricket clubs spread across the country, including those in his home state of Delaware. President Biden also acknowledged the record number of Indian Americans serving in Congress, some of whom were present at the State Dinner.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States, from June 21 to June 24, was undertaken at the invitation of President Joe Biden and the First Lady. The illustrious guest list included prominent figures such as human rights activist Martin Luther King III, tennis legend Billie Jean King, filmmaker M Night Shyamalan, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Grammy award winner Joshua Bell, and entrepreneur Frank Islam.
Indian American lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, were also in attendance. Members of the Biden family, namely Hunter Biden, Ashley Biden, James Biden, and Naomi Biden Neal, graced the occasion. Vice President Kamala Harris, who will host a luncheon for Prime Minister Modi, was present as well.
The State Dinner was attended by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, U.S. diplomats, and members of the Biden administration, further solidifying the strong ties between the two nations.
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