United States President Barack Obama established a flourishing relationship with India at the first state dinner of the administration, which was held November 2009 at the White House South Lawn.

As Obama proposed a toast, raising his glass to his guest of honor, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said “to the future that beckons all of us… Let us answer its call. And let our two great nations realize all the triumphs and achievements that await us.”

State dinners, which are a US tradition that started back in 1874, are the most remarkable and formal honor a new US leader can provide a fellow foreign leader, making it the most significant invitation in Washington.

At the event, Obama expressed his intent to build strong relationships with the world’s biggest democracies and focus on administering the tradition of the customs of the White House. Usually, state dinner invitations are given to leaders of Mexico and Canada, but recent presidents have shied away followed this tradition.

The state dinner, hosted by the president’s wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, focused on environment-friendly themes, including White House-grown herbs and greens and harvested magnolia branches that were served to both US and India guests.

President Obama wore a black tuxedo, which perfectly complimented the First Lady’s cream gown that was accentuated with silver. The First Couple welcomed Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur before posing for pictures.

Dignified personalities made the guest list, including political allies and opponents, some celebrities, and important members of the diplomatic community of India. Like the President and the First Lady, the guests were dressed in their best tuxedos and evening gowns. Over 300 guests enjoyed the best food and wine, as well as unparalleled entertainment provided by Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, among others.