New Delhi, September 30 – President Barack Obama on Monday hosted a private dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House here, ahead of their summit level talks.
Modi was welcomed by Obama who greeted him in Gujarati, “Kem Chho?” (how are you?), the mother tongue of the Prime Minister. Set in an informal ambiance, the dinner is the first opportunity for both the leaders to interact with each other. First Lady Michelle Obama, however, gave the dinner a miss.
Both the leaders were joined by 20 attendees at the dinner. The President was joined by Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Advisor Susan Rice among others.
Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Indian Ambassador to the US, S Jaishankar among others. Earlier, after reaching Washington from New York, Modi was received by US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns at the Andrews Air Force Base.
As Obama hosted Modi for dinner, the local Indian- Americans celebrated the Modi-Obama meeting by organizing a cultural event and performing “Garbha” dance in front of the White House.
A small group of Kashmir separatists and Sikh separatists also held a protest outside the White House building, but they were far out numbered by the pro-Modi supporters.
There was an unprecedented level of security in and around the White House and Blair House, the official guest house of the US President, in view of the two recent security breaches.
The Pennsylvania Avenue was closed for most part in the evening and the pro-Modi group and anti-India protesters were pushed far behind when the motorcade crossed the avenue on its way to the White House.
Obama received Modi at the South Gate of the White House and the dinner was held in Blue Room of the President’s official residence.
The Blue Room is used for receptions and receiving lines, and is occasionally set for small dinners.Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Indian Ambassador to the US, S Jaishankar among others.
5.30 am: Vision Statement for the US-India strategic partnership is “Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go”.
3.15 am: A large number of Indian American supporters were present along the road to cheer Modi on his way to Blair House. They welcomed him with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi”.
2.45 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Washington for summit meeting with President Barack Obama.
-INDIA TODAY
