Biden Puts His Hand on His Heart for India's Anthem, Then Slowly Lowers It (June 22, 2023)

The White House rolled out the red carpet for India’s prime minister, and President Joe Biden put his hand over his heart for the wrong anthem. “Despite the event MC announcing to the crowd that the playing of the Indian anthem would be first, followed by the U.S. anthem, Biden raised his hand to his heart as soon as the music started,” Fox News reported on June 22, 2023 [1].

“After the lively intro notes passed and it became clear that the song was not ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ Biden could be seen on video slowly lowering his hand away from his chest. All the while, Modi stood alongside him, mouthing the words to his country’s anthem,” Fox reported [1].

“Once, the U.S. anthem played, Biden quickly put his hand back over his heart and kept it there until the song ended,” according to Fox [1].

The video above shows the South Lawn arrival ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 22, 2023. Quotes are from Fox News, the White House pool reports and the official White House transcripts [1][2][3][4].

”Funny if It Weren’t So Sad”

The clip spread fast. “GOP digital strategist Alec Sears remarked, ‘It would be so funny if it weren’t so sad,’” Fox reported [1].

Conservative commentator Graham Allen wrote: “OMG!!!!! Biden didn’t realize it wasn’t the National Anthem until the end of this video?! He slowly lowers his hand 30 secs into it.” [1]

The ceremony was a big one. Modi “was greeted by President Biden and the first lady in front of the South Portico,” and Biden “mentioned the Indian diaspora, some 7,000 of whom were in attendance,” the White House pool reported [2].

”We the People”

Biden began his remarks at 10:16 a.m. “Two proud nations — two proud nations whose love of freedom secured our independence, bound by the same words in our Constitution — the first three words: ‘We the People,’” he said, according to the White House transcript [3].

“We face an inflection point, one of those moments that only come around every several generations, when so much is changing technolo- — technologically, politically, socially, and environmentally that the decisions we make today are going to determine our future for decades to come,” Biden said [3].

”Prime Minister Modi’s Washington Home”

That night, Biden opened the state dinner with a joke. “Welcome to Prime Minister Modi’s Washington home. (Laughter and applause.) I’ve been doing thi- — please have a seat,” he said [4].

He offered a history lesson. “In 1792, our first president, George Washington, established one of the first consulates in Kolkata, nestled along the Bay of Bengal — a hub of commerce and culture,” Biden said [4].

Then he brought up anthems himself. He said the city was home to more Nobel laureates than any other, “including the great poet-philosopher Tagore. And he wrote two national anthems, India and Bangladesh, and influenced great American thinkers as well,” Biden said [4].

“Twenty years ago, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I made clear that if the United States and India grew to be the closest friends and partners in the world, the world would be a safer place,” he said [4].

He named Indian American members of Congress, then stopped. “And a record number of Indian Americans in Congress, who are here tonight — Ro, Ami, Raja, Shri, Pramila, and — you know — well, I won’t go on. (Laughter.)” Biden said [4].

He recalled calling Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s mother in India. “I think she wondered, ‘Who in God’s name is calling me?’ (Laughter.)” Biden said [4].

Then he caught himself mid-toast. “Mr. Prime Minister — oh, I better get that translated,” Biden said [4].

”Neither of Us Drink”

The toast came with a family story. “The good news for both of us: Neither of us drink. (Laughter.) (Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s glass.) That is what? Ginger ale? Okay. (Laughter.)” Biden said [4].

“Mr. Prime Minister, I had an Irish grandfather named Ambrose Finnegan. And he used to say that when you give a toast and you don’t have any alcohol in your glass, you must do it with your left hand. (Laughter.) You think I’m kidding? I’m not,” Biden said. When the interpreter began translating, he added: “That wasn’t in the script.” [4]

Modi returned the compliment. “You are soft spoken, but when it comes to action, you are very strong,” he told Biden, the pool reported, before offering a toast “to liberty and the everlasting bonds of friendship between India and the United States.” [2]

The pooler added a note: “Your pooler then learned that the Hindi translation for ‘cheers’ is, in fact, ‘cheers.’” [2]

By the Numbers

7,000: members of the Indian diaspora at the ceremony, per the pool [2].
10:16 a.m.: when Biden began speaking [2].
2014: the year Modi became prime minister [2].
5: Indian American lawmakers Biden named before saying “I won’t go on” [4].

What Happened Next

The jokes kept coming. The next day, Biden told a room of tech executives and Modi that he had “sold a lot of state secrets,” while a special counsel was investigating his handling of classified documents. See HYGO News’ page on June 23, 2023.

For Biden stumbling over Pramila Jayapal’s name at the White House Diwali celebration, see the page on Oct. 24, 2022.