When leaders from other nations visit the White House it’s customary to serve them a meal, but what happens when the guest of honor is foregoing food?

When leaders from other nations visit the White House it’s customary to serve them a thoughtfully prepared meal, but what happens when the guest of honor is foregoing food?

That has become a topic of much conversation as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the midst of a 9-day religious fast.

The leader is in the US and scheduled for a variety of engagements, among which is a feast prepared by the White House chefs.

Another is a large luncheon hosted by Vice President Joe Biden Jr. and Secretary of State John Kerry.

It’s been said by White House staffers that those arrangements will go ahead as planned.

Chief historian of The White House Historical Association pointed out, “Every detail of a state visit is addressed weeks in advance of a head of state’s arrival…This would include any dietary requirements.”

What has some concerned is that the Prime Minister’s spiritually motivated abstinence goes far beyond a matter of ingredient restrictions.

Some wonder if President Obama will partake in a full plate of food while India’s leader has none.

There have been also questions concerning why the White House is carrying forward with meal-focused events at all.