In a gesture symbolizing the strong ties between the United States and India, US President Joe Biden presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a special T-shirt featuring PM Modi’s famous quote, “The future is AI-America and India.” The exchange of gifts took place during PM Modi’s first state visit to the US, which saw significant discussions on various topics and highlighted the deepening friendship between the two nations.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi addressed a joint session of the US Congress for the second time, reflecting on the progress made since his previous visit seven years ago. He emphasized the commitment to strengthen the friendship between India and the United States, acknowledging the significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the momentous developments in both AI-America and India.
Meaningful gifts exchanged
As a token of friendship and appreciation, President Biden, and First Lady Jill Biden presented several thoughtful gifts to Prime Minister Modi. Among these were a vintage camera and a book on American wildlife photography, showcasing the rich natural beauty of the United States.
President Biden also gifted Prime Minister Modi a T-shirt featuring his own quote, “The future is AI-America and India,” highlighting the joint potential of both countries in artificial intelligence.
In return, Prime Minister Modi presented President Biden with a handcrafted sandalwood box called ‘das danam,’ representing an Indian tradition of giving. Additionally, he gifted him a first edition print of ‘The Ten Principal Upanishads,’ a book published by M/s Faber and Faber Ltd in London and printed at the University Press Glasgow.
Cultural exchange and musical tribute
During an intimate dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House, discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, further strengthening the bilateral relationship. The leaders also enjoyed a musical tribute showcasing the diverse regions of India, highlighting the cultural richness shared between the two nations.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi gifted a lab-grown 7.5-carat green diamond to First Lady Jill Biden. The diamond, ‘Made in India,’ reflects the country’s commitment to eco-friendly innovation. Encased in a beautiful Papier mâché box from Kashmir, the diamond represents India’s heritage and craftsmanship.
Furthermore, President Biden presented Prime Minister Modi with a signed, first-edition copy of ‘Collected Poems of Robert Frost,’ recognizing the American literary legacy. This gift underscores the appreciation for shared cultural influences and the enduring power of literature.
Strengthening business relations
The state visit also witnessed prominent business leaders such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Chairman of Mahindra Group Anand Mahindra, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Their participation exemplifies the focus on fostering economic collaborations and strengthening business ties between India and the United States.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States marked an important milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations. The exchange of meaningful gifts, including the special T-shirt featuring PM Modi’s quote, emphasized the potential for collaboration and partnership in the field of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the cultural exchanges, discussions on various issues, and the warm reception extended by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden further deepened the friendship between India and the United States, paving the way for continued cooperation and mutual growth.
