Preparations are underway at the White House as President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden will welcome India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington for an official state visit on Thursday, rolling out pomp and circumstance at a state dinner in the evening as the two countries reaffirm close ties.
There has been close attention to diplomatic detail in advance of Thursday's state dinner, including catering to the guest's dietary restrictions.
Nina Curtis, a plant-based chef from Sacramento, California, will be the dinner's guest chef, working with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford, and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison to develop the menu, the office of the first lady said.
Modi, a White House official said, is a vegetarian and "the First Lady selected Chef Curtis for her experience with plant-based cuisine."
And Grammy Award-winning American violinist and conductor Joshua Bell will provide the evening's entertainment, the office of the first lady said.
The state dinner is one element of an elaborate visit for the prime minister, which comes amid some criticism over Modi's human rights record.
State dinners, former White House curator Betty Monkman said, are "a courtesy, an expression of good will, and a way of extending hospitality," as well as "an event that also showcases global power and influence." The office of the first lady works closely with her social team, executive residence staff from the calligraphers to the florists to the pastry chefs and the State Department in preparation for these dinners.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan traveled to India this week ahead of the dinner, meeting with Modi and other officials.
"He reviewed preparations for the upcoming official state visit of the prime minister, and discussed a range of strategic, regional, and bilateral issues including steps to advance the strategic technology and defense partnership between the United States and India," a readout of Sullivan's trip stated.
This will mark the third state dinner of the Biden administration after the Bidens hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in December and South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol in April.
