Elisha Pulivarti from Washington DC
American President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden rolled out a grandeur rock star like reception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first state visit to the US on June 22, Thursday. A colorful military parade and armed forces music bands blaring numbers and playing of national anthems of American and India made early hours of Thursday a memorable spectacle not just to those who were there, but all those who watched live.
For a moment, it looked like a min-India or a huge congregation of Indian Americans who gathered on the lawns of White House, official residence of US President to welcome PM Modi. Chanting of “Modi, Modi” continued four over an hour, as the reception ceremony lasted. Around 7,000 people gathered there, while hundreds others stranded outside as there was no space for them inside.
PM Modi, dressed in whites and a blue jacket appeared energetic as he made a brief but touching speech to thank Bidens on their welcome. “Three decades ago, I visited America as an ordinary citizen and then saw White House from a distance. Later, I came to US and here several times. But, never I saw White House gates opening for this large number of Indian Americans,” said Modi, amidst cheers from the gathering. Bidens smiled.
Unusual bonhomie
One striking feature of Thursday’s state reception rolled out to PM Modi at White House is the unusual bonhomie witnessed between him and President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. We all know, Modi socializes easily with anyone, particularly with foreign dignitaries. He enjoyed this rapport with former US president Trump and now with Biden and Jill Biden.
PM Modi’s gesture of gifting a green (lab grown) 7.5 carat diamond to Jill Biden gone a long way in establishing a rapport with Bidens. We need to see, what kind of bonding PM Modi will display to them when they come to Delhi in September for G 20 summit. President Biden in his brief welcome speech praised India, Indian Americans, and Indian origins including his Veeps Kamala Harris for their contributions to growth of America.
All sounds and optics are good for the two countries. We need to wait for PM Modi’s speech at the joint session of US congress later in the day.
