Unique move: President Kovind displays all gifts received from SE Asian leaders over decades
, ET Bureau|
Jan 26, 2018, 07.14 AM IST
NEW DELHI: It is not just defence and maritime security partnership that would keep Indo-Asean Commemorative Summit etched in memories of the visiting leaders. Serious deliberations were accompanied by extreme cordiality and mouth-watering lunch at Rashtrapati Bhavan where all 10 Asean leaders and their spouses were hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind.
Light food was served keeping in mind the retreat session that was also held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the post-lunch period.
Special care was taken for each leader as they arrived at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan amid display of flags of all Asean nations. Extra care was taken for Philippines President R Duterte who is allergic to pollen so that he is not exposed to flowers. The Presidential estate is also arranging to send bush roses to Myanmar's legendary leader Suu Kyi.
Besides PM Narendra Modi and VP Venkaiah Naidu, many union ministers were present at the lunch. So were the NSA, principal secretary to PM, foreign secretary and foreign secretary-designate.
The 90-seater banquet table was fully occupied and this showed importance attached to Asean in India, according to persons familiar with the matter. Musical tunes from Indonesia and Brunei were played as the lunch were served.
In a unique move, President Kovind displayed all gifts that Presidents have received from southeast Asian leaders over decades before the visiting 10 Asean leaders. The President also invoked cultural bonds during the lunch. "Guests are considered auspicious in our cultures. They bring happiness and prosperity. We cannot thank you more for bringing the rain-showers along," he said amid much appreciation from the visitors.
Thereafter, the PM and the visiting leaders went into retreat themed 'Maritime Security & Cooperation' and subsequently gathered at the picturesque Mughal Garden for a photograph.
Both Veg and Non-Veg Served
Starters included Kakori Kebabs while the main course had a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from north, east and south India and even SE Asia. The light lunch was a mix of fish and vegetable dishes. Special cuisine from southeast Asia were much appreciated by the leaders and their spouses.
Light food was served keeping in mind the retreat session that was also held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the post-lunch period.
Special care was taken for each leader as they arrived at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan amid display of flags of all Asean nations. Extra care was taken for Philippines President R Duterte who is allergic to pollen so that he is not exposed to flowers. The Presidential estate is also arranging to send bush roses to Myanmar's legendary leader Suu Kyi.
Besides PM Narendra Modi and VP Venkaiah Naidu, many union ministers were present at the lunch. So were the NSA, principal secretary to PM, foreign secretary and foreign secretary-designate.
The 90-seater banquet table was fully occupied and this showed importance attached to Asean in India, according to persons familiar with the matter. Musical tunes from Indonesia and Brunei were played as the lunch were served.
In a unique move, President Kovind displayed all gifts that Presidents have received from southeast Asian leaders over decades before the visiting 10 Asean leaders. The President also invoked cultural bonds during the lunch. "Guests are considered auspicious in our cultures. They bring happiness and prosperity. We cannot thank you more for bringing the rain-showers along," he said amid much appreciation from the visitors.
Thereafter, the PM and the visiting leaders went into retreat themed 'Maritime Security & Cooperation' and subsequently gathered at the picturesque Mughal Garden for a photograph.
Both Veg and Non-Veg Served
Starters included Kakori Kebabs while the main course had a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from north, east and south India and even SE Asia. The light lunch was a mix of fish and vegetable dishes. Special cuisine from southeast Asia were much appreciated by the leaders and their spouses.
