When Modi, Sonia shared a toast

This was probably the moment of the day as far as India’s political circles are concerned. At the banquet hosted for United States President Barack Obama at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday evening Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a few light moments with his rival and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Sonia was all smiles as the PM appeared to be raising a toast. The two sat on the same table along with Obama, President Pranab Mukherjee, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and other prominent leaders.

Sonia was seated next to First Lady Michelle Obama at the dinner which was attended by nearly 250 guests including top politicians, industrialists, sportspersons and actors.

As Obama started his speech, he said, “We feel your friendship, ‘dosti’ and I am deeply honoured.”  He even joked that he was thinking of wearing a Modi kurta as he raised a toast at the banquet.

Obama, who was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade, is in India on a three-day visit.