Modi, Biden hail diaspora’s contribution to India-US relationship

Modi highlights Indian Americans’ significant role in bolstering the inclusive society and economy of the US

As visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe raised toasts to the India-US relationship, they both hailed the diaspora’s significant contributions to their adopted homeland and its ties with the motherland.

Indian-Americans take pride in India’s values, democratic traditions, and culture while finding a respectful place in America’s diverse society, said Modi at the State dinner hosted in his honor by Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House Thursday night.

READ: Modi swears by democratic values in historic address to US Congress (June 23, 2023)

He highlighted their significant role in bolstering the inclusive society and economy of the US, making their mark in various sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education, research, logistics, and more.

“Be it hospitals or hotels, universities or research labs, gas stations or logistics management, they are making their mark everywhere,” Modi said.

“With every passing day, Indians and Americans are getting to know each other better. We can pronounce each other’s names correctly,” he said.

“We can understand each other’s accent better. Children in India become Spider Man on Halloween, and America’s youth is dancing to the tune of ‘Naatu Naatu’ (Oscar winning song from the Indian movie ‘RRR’).”

Americans love baseball, but cricket is also becoming popular in the US, Modi noted. “The American team is trying its best to qualify for the Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year. I wish them good luck and success,” he said.

Biden echoed Modi’s praise for Indian-Americans. He said that they are “a vital part of the American story.”
Jestingly lamenting his lack of singing talent, Modi expressed a wish to have entertained the guests with a song. “I know your hospitality has moved your guests to sing. I wish, I too, had the singing talent,” Modi joked. “I could have also sung before you all.”

READ: Modi visit yields big-ticket defense and technology deals, Moon shot (June 23, 2023)

Modi was alluding to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise performance during a state dinner in April. Yeol had captivated the audience with his rendition of ‘American Pie,’ receiving resounding applause.

More than 400 guests were invited for the dinner at a specially decorated pavilion draped in greens and saffrons, a nod to the Indian flag, on the South Lawn of the White House.

The guests, including prominent Indian-Americans and politicians from both parties, enjoyed a plant-based menu tailored to the prime minister’s vegetarian preferences.

Dishes like millet and corn salad, Portobello mushrooms, and strawberry shortcake were served, with roasted sea bass available upon request for those desiring a non-vegetarian option.

Modi spoke in Hindi with the speech being translated to English.

READ: Modi, Biden vow to deepen India-US ties, work for global good (June 22, 2023)

Industrialist Anand Mahindra, former Pepsico chair Indra Nooyi and the CEOs of Microsoft, Adobe and alphabet — Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen and Sunder Pichai — also attended the event.

The guest list also included 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.

READ: Modi visit to affirm deep and close India-US partnership: White House (June 22, 2023)