And this evening, tonight the President and I are going to be hosting our first state dinner -- and we're hosting for the Prime Minister and his wife,...

These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy. Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the...

But today we're also doing something a little different by having you all here. As our mentees know, one of the things we've talked about that the...

So, how do we get this stuff done? The President and I are going to host this really neat dinner outside in the tent. But we describe it, it's sort...

But there's also more to the dinner than just the food, even though that's going to be exciting. Dinners like these also need great entertainment....

But before I turn it over to them, I just want to take a few moments to share with everyone here also why today means so much to me, personally.

It means a great deal when you're visiting and your hosts make you feel like you're at home, like they're excited to see you. It means the world.

These places are more than just monuments to history, truly. They compel us to see the world through a broader lens -- not just from your own backyard...

See, all these people -- you know, the children, these caretakers, the girls, their teachers, these nurses and mothers that you've seen, that we met...

But one of the things that the President has said is that this new era of engagement can't just be between governments -- you know, it's not just about...

Deepening these ties is one of the things that the President and the Prime Minister are working on today, one of the reasons for the trip and the state...

So that's one of the lessons for today. It's our job -- and that's one of the lessons of the relationship between the United States and India.

So again, today is a celebration of the great ties between the world's two largest democracies -- that's the United States and that's India. But it's...

Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. (Applause.) Some of you...

Mr. Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate...

And so, as we draw upon these ties that bind our common future together, I want to close with the words that your first Prime Minister spoke at that...

Does the Prime Minister get a glass? Thank you.

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.

(A toast is offered.)

Mr. President, your journey to the White House has captured the imagination of millions and millions of people in India. You are an inspiration to...

Mr. President, we warmly applaud the recognition by the Nobel Committee of the healing touch you have provided and the power of your idealism and your...

Mr. President, a strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world...

Mr. President, I convey my very best wishes to you. Mr. President, as you lead this great nation, I look forward to working with you to renew and expand...

Cheers.

Thank you, everybody. Enjoy your evening. (Applause.)