Influential Indian business leaders and tech icons gather at state dinner for Modi
The event not only celebrated the diplomatic ties between the two nations but also showcased the remarkable achievements of Indians on the global stage
More than 380 guests were invited to the state dinner President Biden hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on Thursday night (22), a list that included government officials, business leaders, star athletes, a renowned violinist, a Hollywood director, the son of a civil rights icon, fashion designers and prominent Indian Americans.
The state dinner was made even more illustrious by the presence of notable Indian business leaders and prominent figures from the technology world.
CEO of Alphabet, Sundar Pichai and his wife Anjali Pichai attend the state dinner in honour of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 22, 2023. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
Among the esteemed guests were Anand Mahindra, a renowned Indian business leader, Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire industrialist and visionary, Sunder Pichai, the CEO of Google, Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft, Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, and the distinguished Indra Nooyi.
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation chairperson, Nita Ambani along with Sunder Pichai with his wife Anjali at the state dinner (ANI Photo)
The event not only celebrated the diplomatic ties between the two nations but also showcased the remarkable achievements of Indians on the global stage.
Mukesh Ambani, the eminent industrialist and Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, brought his unparalleled business acumen to the gathering. As one of the world's wealthiest individuals, Ambani's innovative endeavours and strategic vision have transformed industries and inspired generations.
Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani attend the state dinner (ANI Photo)
Anand Mahindra, a respected figure in the Indian business landscape, Mahindra's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation have propelled the Mahindra Group to new heights.
Indian businessman Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, at the state dinner (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Sunder Pichai, the CEO of Google, epitomised the close ties between technology and diplomacy. Leading one of the world's most prominent tech companies, Pichai has been at the forefront of innovation, driving the evolution of the digital landscape.
The state dinner also welcomed the esteemed Indra Nooyi, a trailblazer, and former CEO of PepsiCo. Nooyi's remarkable journey from India to the pinnacles of corporate success has been an inspiration to aspiring business leaders worldwide.
As the evening unfolded, the guests were captivated by the fusion of cultures.
Many Indian and non-Indian attendees, including some of the business leaders, chose to don elegant traditional attire, such as saris, infusing the event with the vibrancy of Indian traditions.
US Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and his wife Marie Meeks (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
The exquisite colours and intricate designs of the saris showcased the rich cultural heritage of India, creating a visual spectacle that added to the ambience of the occasion.
Conductor Sameer Patel (left) and Shannon Patel arrive (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
The state dinner provided a platform for fruitful discussions, fostering closer collaboration between Indian and American business leaders.
The state dinner in honour of Modi marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting the contributions of Indian business leaders and technology icons.
It served as a reminder of the immense talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural richness that India brings to the world stage.
Vanita Gupta, US associate general and her husband Rajiv Gupta (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
The event laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation, collaboration, and shared success between India and the US for years to come.
Adding to the distinguished gathering was vice president Kamala Harris, who holds a special place as the first Indian American vice President.
Indian American lawmakers including Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi graced the occasion with their presence at the state dinner.
US Rep Ro Khanna and his wife Ritu Khanna (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Their inclusion in the guest list highlighted the significant role played by Indian Americans in the political landscape of the US.
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and his wife Alice Chen (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
The event also welcomed prominent Indian officials, including India's national security advisor Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy and bilateral cooperation in strengthening the relationship between India and the US.
During the state dinner, Modi delivered a speech and raised a toast to express his gratitude towards his esteemed hosts. He extended his well wishes for good health, prosperity, and the pursuit of happiness.
US president Joe Biden and India's prime minister Narendra Modi toast during an official state dinner (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
Modi toasted to the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, highlighting their significance in fostering strong bilateral relations between India and the US. He emphasised the enduring bonds of friendship that exist between the two nations and expressed his desire for their everlasting growth and prosperity.
The UK is expected to enjoy warm weather this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 23°C, higher than those in Ibiza. The mild conditions come after a week of sunshine, with London hitting 24°C on Wednesday.
Most parts of the country are likely to experience sunny spells and above-average temperatures over the weekend. However, northern and eastern areas may see cooler conditions, along with patches of drizzle.
While the warm weather is expected to extend into the early part of next week, forecasters have indicated that the bank holiday weekend could bring more unsettled conditions, including rain in some regions.
The anticipated rainfall would be timely, as the Environment Agency has issued a warning of a medium risk of drought in England this summer. This follows a relatively dry start to spring, raising concerns about water levels heading into the warmer months.
Although the warm spell is a welcome change, experts are continuing to monitor weather patterns closely ahead of the summer. Britons are being advised to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, with the outlook for the long weekend remaining uncertain.
FOREIGN SECRETARY David Lammy said on Saturday that Britain is working with the United States to ensure the ceasefire between India and Pakistan holds, and to support confidence-building measures and dialogue between the two sides.
Speaking in Islamabad at the end of a two-day visit, Lammy said, “We will continue to work with the United States to ensure that we get an enduring ceasefire, to ensure that dialogue is happening and to work through with Pakistan and India how we can get to confidence and confidence-building measures between the two sides.”
Pakistan has said that Britain and other countries, along with the United States, played a key role in helping de-escalate the recent fighting between the two countries. The ceasefire was brokered on May 10 after diplomatic efforts, but diplomats and analysts have said it remains fragile.
Tensions rose after a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir, which India has blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied involvement. Both countries fired missiles onto each other’s territory during the escalation.
US president Donald Trump has said talks should take place in a third country but no venue or dates have been announced.
“These are two neighbours with a long history but they are two neighbours that have barely been able to speak to one other over this past period, and we want to ensure that we do not see further escalation and that the ceasefire endures,” Lammy said.
Lammy also commented on India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, saying, “We would urge all sides to meet their treaty obligations.”
India had said last month that it had “put in abeyance” its participation in the 1960 treaty that governs use of the Indus river system. Pakistan has said any disruption to its water access would be considered an act of war.
Lammy said Britain would continue to work with Pakistan on countering terrorism. “It is a terrible blight on this country and its people, and of course on the region,” he said.
Lammy criticised Russia following brief talks with Ukraine on a potential ceasefire. The meeting ended in under two hours, and Trump said no progress was possible until he met Russian president Vladimir Putin directly.
“Yet again we are seeing obfuscation on the Russian side and unwillingness to get serious about the enduring peace that is now required in Ukraine,” Lammy said. “Once again Russia is not serious.”
“At what point do we say to Putin enough is enough?” he said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Using forged documents claiming he had a law degree and a false CV, Rai gained employment at two law firms in Gloucestershire and a construction company in Bristol.
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced after using fake identity documents and forged academic certificates to secure jobs at law firms and a construction company.
Aditya Rai was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court to 20 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He had pleaded guilty to fraud, forgery, and identity-related offences.
The court heard Rai used a false passport and a fake UK driving licence under the name Ali Ryan, with a photo of himself and a false date of birth. He also opened bank accounts under the same false identity.
Using forged documents claiming he had a law degree and a false CV, Rai gained employment at two law firms in Gloucestershire and a construction company in Bristol. In total, he earned around £10,000 before resigning from one firm and being dismissed from another following reference checks, according to Gloucestershire Police.
He had previous convictions, which he concealed by using a false identity. A search of his home in June 2022 led to the seizure of his laptop, which contained fake documents and a forged driving licence.
Rai had been on remand since February 2025 after being arrested at a port with a false Irish licence. He was identified by his tattoos and arrested for failing to attend court.
He also admitted to an offence investigated by North Wales Police involving a fake Republic of Ireland driving licence. Two further fraud offences were taken into consideration.
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Nirav Modi, 55, has been in custody in the UK since March 2019.
A UK court on Thursday denied bail to fugitive Indian diamond businessman Nirav Modi, who sought release while awaiting extradition to India. Modi cited potential threats to his life and said he would not attempt to flee Britain.
Modi, 55, has been in custody in the UK since March 2019. He left India in 2018 before details emerged of his alleged involvement in a large-scale fraud at Punjab National Bank.
He denies any wrongdoing, according to his lawyer. His extradition to India was approved by UK courts, and his appeals, including a request to approach the UK Supreme Court, were rejected in 2022.
On Thursday, Modi’s lawyer Edward Fitzgerald told the High Court that the extradition could not take place for confidential legal reasons. "There are confidential legal reasons why (Modi) cannot be extradited," he said, without providing further details.
Representing Indian authorities, lawyer Nicholas Hearn opposed the bail application, arguing that Modi might try to escape or interfere with witnesses. Hearn referred to Modi’s past attempt to seek citizenship in Vanuatu as an indication he might flee.
Fitzgerald responded that Modi would not leave the UK due to fear of the Indian government. He mentioned alleged recent plots to target Sikh activists in the United States and Canada, which India has denied. He also cited India's alleged involvement in returning Sheikha Latifa, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, to Dubai in 2018.
"The reach of the Indian government for extrajudicial reprisals is practically limitless," Fitzgerald said. "The idea that he could go to Vanuatu ... and there be safe from the Indian government is utterly ridiculous. They would either send a hit squad to get him or they would kidnap him or they would lean on the government to deport him."
The Indian High Commission in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Judge Michael Fordham denied the bail plea, saying, "there are substantial grounds for believing that if released by me on bail ... (Modi) would fail to surrender".
Modi is wanted in India in connection with two linked cases — a major fraud at Punjab National Bank and alleged laundering of the proceeds.
His uncle Mehul Choksi, also linked to the case, was arrested in Belgium last month. Choksi has denied any wrongdoing.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Users across the UK report Sky TV not working during prime time
Sky TV customers across the UK faced widespread disruption on Thursday night, with issues continuing into Friday morning despite the company saying things were back to normal.
The problems, which began around 9pm, saw more than 30,000 users unable to access TV content. Most complaints were linked to Sky Q boxes crashing or freezing. Some viewers were stuck with error messages saying they couldn’t watch TV due to “connectivity issues” even though their internet seemed fine.
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By Friday morning, over 2,500 users were still reporting trouble, according to tracking site DownDetector. Most problems (87%) were TV-related, while a smaller number mentioned full blackouts or broadband issues.
DownDetector chart shows view of problems reported in the last 24 hours Downdetector
Sky said the issue stemmed from a technical glitch that pushed some Sky Q boxes into standby mode. “We’re sorry some customers had trouble accessing Sky Q,” the company said. “The issue was quickly resolved, and service has been restored.”
However, many users said otherwise. On social media and DownDetector, complaints kept coming in. Some said rebooting the Sky box worked temporarily, only for it to crash again. Others were irritated by the lack of updates from Sky, especially as the blackout clashed with the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, a big night for live TV.
“I’ve restarted my box six times already. It just keeps going off again,” one user in Southport wrote. Another from Sheffield posted: “Still down this morning.”
Sky recommends a basic fix: unplug your Sky Q box from the power socket for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. For some, that’s worked. For others, the issue returns after a while.
Downdetector shows the most affected locations and problems Downdetector
Posting on X this morning, the official Sky account shared : "We are aware of some technical issues overnight that led to Sky Q boxes to go into standby mode. Our technical team worked quickly to investigate and restore service.
"If your Sky Q box is still stuck in standby please switch off your Sky Q box at the power socket for 30 seconds and back on again which will restore service. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused."
Sky’s own help page offers a few steps to try: reboot the box, check Wi-Fi, update the software, and make sure your remote and connections are working. But when none of that helps, users are left in the dark.
DownDetector, a platform that tracks service interruptions, showed how the problem spread and continued, even after Sky’s official fix.
This article was updated following Sky’s public statement issued on Friday morning.