WASHINGTON, D.C. - US President Barack Obama’s invitation to Indian Prime Minister for a State Dinner is a reflection of the importance attached to not only Indo-US ties, but also the personal admiration of Manmohan Singh by him – if the history and tradition of the White House is of any indication.

Over the past several decades a state dinner honoring a visiting head of the government has emerged as one of the grandest and most glamorous of White House affairs, which is part of an official state visit and provides the President and First Lady the opportunity to honor the visiting head of state and his or her spouse.

For the US President, the State Dinner is a courtesy an expression of good will – a way of extending hospitality.

It not only brings to mind the tradition of breaking bread with friends to seal a friendship, but also is an event that also showcases global power and influence.

The traditional toasts exchanged by the two leaders at the dinner offer an important and appropriate platform for the continuation of the serious dialogue that has taken place earlier in the day.

And the very fact that Manmohan Singh has the rare distinction of having the honor of being the State Guest on two occasions and that too by the two different Presidents from different parties, has its own mute story to tell and the personal rapport he has been able to establish with the American leaders with his leadership role.                                   (PTI)