“US-India relationship is the strongest,” says Indian-American bizman Ajay Bhutoria

Over 4.4 million Indian-Americans are the backbone of this relationship, he said at the 25th WHIAANHPI celebrations.

Ajay Bhutoria speaking on the sidelines of the White House AANHPI heritage celebrations. / Courtesy Photo

Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Bhutoria said that the US-India relationship is the strongest, on the sidelines of the 25th anniversary celebration of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). The event was held at the Andrew W Mellon auditorium on May.13.

“India-US relationship is growing at all stages. Over 4.4 million Indian-Americans are the backbone of this relationship. It’s also growing business to business and government to government,” Bhutoria said.

“We saw with PM Modi coming, the signing of new defence agreements and much more. The trade is going to grow more. I think both PM Modi and President Biden are doing a great job in expanding the US-India relationship,” he added.

Bhutoria also commended the playing of ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ at the event. “Thrilled to hear Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara played at White House AANHPI heritage celebration hosted by President Joe Biden with VP Harris,” he wrote in a social media post later.

Thrilled to hear Saare Jahan Se accha Hindustan Hamara played at WHite House AANHPI heritage celebration hosted by President @JoeBiden with VP Harris @VP . Paanipuri and Khoya dish was also served .stronger US India relationship . @PMOIndia @narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/1M5lViwbF2
— Ajay Jain (@ajainb) May 14, 2024

“Great to see Indian-Americans being celebrated at the White House today as part of AANHPI, a heritage month celebrations. It is such a proud feeling. The marine band was playing Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara song … and serving golgappa and khoya sweet. Music and food relationship making stronger US-India relationship. Thank you so much, President Biden!” Bhutoria wrote.

White House menu features golgappas

During the AANHPI heritage celebrations, popular Indian dishes such as golgappas or pani puri and a sweet dish called khoya were being served.

Referring to this addition to the menu, Bhutoria said, “This is the White House sending a message that this (India-US) is the most important relationship and that relationship grows with music: Saare Jahan Se Achha, and food: golgappas.”

Bhutoria also commended President Biden and VP Kamala Harris for including diverse cultures and providing representation of the AAPI community in the White House.