‘Cheers to two great nations, friends, powers’: At US state dinner, Modi, Biden raise a toast

New Delhi, Jun 23 : Emphasising that the occasion celebrates great bonds of friendship between India and the United States, US President Joe Biden expressed his delight in hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the official State Dinner at the White House. Both the leaders hailed a new era in their nation's relationship and spoke about deals on defence and commerce, which are aimed at countering China's influence. “Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers. Cheers,” US President Biden told PM Modi in a toast at the dinner, Reuters reported. “You are soft spoken, but when it comes to action, you are very strong,” PM Modi replied. Acknowledging the progress made by Indian Americans in the United States during the state dinner, Prime Minister Modi said that they have played a significant role in strengthening the inclusive society and economy of the US. “Indian Americans have come a long way in the US and have always found a respectful place in America's melting pot,” he added. PM Modi also expressed his gratitude to US President Joe Biden for hosting a ‘wonderful' dinner and making the visit successful. Meanwhile, billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Google CEO Sunder Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook were among the guests invited to the State Dinner hosted in the honour of PM Modi at the White House on Thursday. The White House had invited over 400 guests at the specially decorated pavilion on the South Lawn of the White House. PM Modi shared that the State dinner evening has become ‘special' by the presence of the people of the two countries. “This evening is made special by the presence of the people of our two countries, they are our most precious assets,” the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi in a special address during the State dinner at the White House, also talked about increasing people-to-people contact between the two countries while giving the example of ‘Naatu Naatu'. “With every passing day, Indians and Americans are getting to know each other better. We can pronounce each other's name correctly, we can understand each other's accent better… Children in India become Spider-Man on Halloween and America's youth is dancing to the tunes of ‘Naatu Naatu',” the PM said. A State Dinner is held at the White House, the residence of the US President, and has the symbolic value of a visiting dignitary sharing a meal at the host's home.