But in wooing Mr. Modi, it was clear that Mr. Biden was taking a tender strategy to backsliding on democracy in India, the place the federal government has cracked down on dissent and hounded opponents. He will elevate human rights points, officers stated, however they used the phrase “respectful” greater than as soon as to characterize the president’s strategy.
They thought-about it a victory that the administration had persuaded Mr. Modi, who famously refuses to carry news conferences, to fulfill with reporters alongside Mr. Biden, as most main world leaders do once they go to the White House. Even then, the White House averted utilizing the time period “news conference”; its public schedule stated the leaders would “take questions from the press” within the East Room.
The state dinner, solely the third of Mr. Biden’s presidency, will likely be held on the South Lawn in a pavilion draped in inexperienced with saffron-colored flowers at each desk, the colours of the Indian flag. Lotus blooms, an essential image in India, will likely be included all through the décor. Images of the bald eagle and the peacock, the nationwide birds of the 2 nations, will likely be displayed because the backdrop when the leaders provide their conventional toasts.
The menu will likely be vegetarian, in accordance with Mr. Modi’s food plan, with an optionally available fish entree. The first course will likely be a marinated millet and grilled corn kernel salad with compressed watermelon and avocado sauce, adopted by a principal course of stuffed portobello mushrooms and creamy saffron-infused risotto. A sumac-roasted sea bass will likely be out there upon request. A rose and cardamom-infused strawberry shortcake will likely be served for dessert.
Joshua Bell, the Grammy-winning violinist, will carry out, as will Penn Masala, a South Asian a cappella group based by college students on the University of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Marine Band chamber orchestra.
“After years of strengthening ties, the U.S.-India partnership is deep and expansive as we jointly tackle global challenges,” Dr. Biden advised reporters on Wednesday in previewing the occasion. “But our relationship isn’t only about the government. We’re celebrating the families and friendships that span the globe, those who feel the bonds of home, in both of our countries.”
Source: www.nytimes.com