US President Obama arrives in India

January 25

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on Sunday reached New Delhi for their three-day visit of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the Air Force Station at Palam to greet the visiting dignitaries. The three shared pleasantries before President Obama sat in his presidential vehicle ‘The Beast' and left for his hotel ITC Maurya.

The others who were present to greet President Obama at the airport included Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal and Indian Ambassador to the US, S Jaishankar, among others.

President Obama has been accompanied by a sizable delegation of top leaders on his trip to India, including Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, among others.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier in the day termed President Obama's visit as a ‘historic visit', stating that it was reflective of change in ties for both New Delhi and Washington DC.

Meanwhile, security has also been stepped up along the International Border between India and Pakistan and in the national capital in anticipation of President Obama's visit.

President Obama, who is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day parade, will be the first U.S. president to attend the Republic Day celebrations.

Obama, who visited India in 2010, will also be the first US president to visit the country twice while in office.