New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's private dinner at the White House was an elaborate affair but all that he demanded to be served was warm water.
Modi has been observing Navratri fasts for last 40 years and this year it coincided with his five-day US visit but he is continuing with his fast despite a busy schedule.
Though there was a plate put in front of the Prime Minister, he asked rest of the guests and the hosts not to feel embarrassed and continue with their dinner.
At the dining table. Prez @BarackObama & PM @narendramodi discuss opportunities of working together. pic.twitter.com/4UVoYtLHwk
— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) September 30, 2014
The menu comprised compressed avocados, micro basil, grapeseed oil, roti crisps, ginger tuille saffron basmati rice and mango creme brulee. Goat cheese and baby bell peppers along with Shafer Chardonnay 'Red Shoulder' 2010 wine was also served at the dinner.
The dinner was attended by limited number of guests from each side. While from the US, Vice-President Joe Biden, Secretary of State William Burns, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, USAID's Rajiv Shah were among the nine guests, Indian delegation had External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Ambassador to the US S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh among others.
