Obama raises a toast to Manmohan Singh

Washington, Nov 25: Hosting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the state dinner of his presidency, US President Barack Obama raised a toast to 'great and growing partnership' between India and the United States.

While Obama gave credit to Dr Singh for helping him bring the two countries closer, the Prime Minister returned his kindness with praise. Manmoahan Singh told Obama that his election enabled millions of Indians dream of better futures.

The first state dinner of the Obama White House was studded with power, glamour and the best of entertainment from both the Indian and American community.

Themed around the taste of India, the night saw fusion food, to evening gowns competing with the brilliance of the saris.

This combination of two cultures was exemplified by the wives of the leaders. While US first lady Michelle Obama dazzled in an evening grown, Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur wore a traditional black and red saree.

"We are overwhelmed by the President"s hospitality," Manmohan Singh said after the dinner.

OneIndia News