From a New York Times story by Zolan Kanno-Youngs headlined “State Dinners: Who Gets Them, Who Doesn’t and Why Matter”:

As President Biden welcomed India’s prime minister to the White House, the two leaders were looking for more than a fine vegetarian meal and a night of glitzy entertainment.

Under the guise of pomp and pageantry, state visits are a chance for presidents to push foreign dignitaries to align with American interests. They can be a way to celebrate old, ironclad alliances. And with high-profile guest lists, multicourse meals and top-flight entertainment, they are much-coveted invites in Washington.