President Pranab Mukherjee, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand for the national anthem during a banquet hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo

President Pranab Mukherjee and US First Lady Michelle Obama look on as US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a banquet hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo President Pranab Mukherjee and US First Lady Michelle Obama look on as US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a banquet hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo

As he started his speech at Rashtrapati Bhavan, US President Barack Obama on Sunday night said that he wanted to wear a Modi kurta.

"Tonight I was thinking of wearing a Modi kurta myself," Obama said. Click here for LIVE updates

Obama raised a toast at the banquet hosted in his honour by President Pranab Mukherjee.

"We feel your friendship, 'dosti' and I am deeply honoured," the US president added.

He recalled a headline back home which asked who is the new fashion icon other than Michelle Obama and said "I was thinking of wearing a Modi kurta myself."

He appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he is tough and has a style.

"I most often said that my story could happen in America and of course Mr Prime Minister, your story can happen only in India."

Recalling Modi's childhood days when his father was a tea vendor and his mother was working in other households, Obama said, "Tonight their son welcomes us as the Prime Minister of world's largest democracy.

President Pranab Mukherjee, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand for the national anthem during a banquet hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo President Pranab Mukherjee, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand for the national anthem during a banquet hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI Photo

"Now we all know about Prime Minister's legendary work ethics. He (Modi) was explaining to me Sunday that how he got only three hours sleep Sunday which made me feel bad. I was doing ok with five.

"What I didn't know that he survived an attack by a crocodile. So he is tough and he also has style.

Obama recalled his earlier visit to India when he had joined some children in Mumbai on the eve of Diwali. "Last time we were over here, we joined some children in Mumbai for Diwali and we danced.

"It was clear what the Indian press thought and one headline was President Obama visits India and the other said Michelle Obama rocks India. It is true that Michelle Obama is better dancer than me."

