PM Narendra Modi only had warm water at US President Barack Obama's White House dinner

WASHINGTON: It was only warm water for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turned out to be the most unusual guest in the history of White House where he was the only one who ate nothing at President Barack Obama's private dinner for him last night.

A plate in front of the Indian leader remained empty as some of the most powerful men and women in the world seated around the table ate compressed avacados, crisped halibut, safron Basmati rice and salmon.

Modi only had warm water and asked rest of the guests not to feel embarrassed and continue with their normal dinner, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

Mango creme brulee, a classic baked cream dessert was also served during the dinner.

The dinner was attended by limited number of guests from each side.

While from the US, Vice-President Joe Biden, Secretary of State William Burns, National Security Advisor Susan Rice, USAID's Rajiv Shah were among the nine guests, Indian delegation had External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian Ambassador S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh among others.

Prime Minister Modi has been observing Navratri fasts for last 40 years and this year it coincided with his five-day US visit from September 26.