US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared lighthearted moments during the state dinner at the White House, showcasing their camaraderie. As both leaders abstain from alcohol, President Biden recounted his grandfather’s advice on toasting without it. Speaking at the grand event, attended by approximately 400 guests, President Biden humorously mentioned his grandfather, Ambrose Finnegan, who used to suggest raising a toast with the left hand when there’s no alcohol in the glass. The audience erupted in laughter, even as the translator attempted to convey the joke in Hindi.
Expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to him, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting the dinner and opening their doors to him. He acknowledged the successful visit and highlighted the significance of celebrating the strong bonds of friendship between India and the United States. The presence of the guests at the event, representing the people of both countries, was acknowledged by the Prime Minister as a symbol of the dynamic and potential-filled US-India relationship.
The guest list for the White House dinner included prominent figures from various fields such as business, fashion, entertainment, and technology. Notable individuals like designer Ralph Lauren, filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, and tennis legend Billie Jean King mingled with tech leaders from Apple, Google, and Microsoft, adding to the significance of the occasion.
