New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) US President Barack Obama, who was accorded a ceremonial red carpet welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan Sunday, said it's "a great honour" to be back in India.
"It's a great honour to be back in India. I am grateful for the extraordinary hospitality," Obama told reporters in the forecourt of the magnificent presidential palace where he was escorted by Wing Commander Puja Thakur as he inspected the tri-service guard of honour.
President's Bodyguard's mounted troops earlier escorted the US presidential motorcade that rolled in at 12.15 p.m. through the iron gates of the impressive presidential palace.
The 21-gun salute sounded as horses escorted The Beast - carrying the US president - down the path leading to the forecourt.
He was received by President Pranab Mukherjee dressed in a black bandgala suit and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had changed into a light striped black bandgala suit from his morning attire of light cream-coloured kurta pyjama with beige Nehru jacket paired with a red shawl.
Obama chatted and laughed with Mukherjee and Modi before proceeding to a podium for the ceremonial welcome.
Obama, who is the first US president to be chief guest at India's Republic Day parade, walked along the red carpet to stand on a podium, covered by a red canvas top with gold trim.
The military band stretched in ranks before him as the national anthems of India and the US were played.
He then inspected the tri-service guard of honour.
Obama was introduced to union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Manohar Parrikar, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Nejeeb Jung, and Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.
Once again Obama exchanged pleasantries and warmly shook hands with Mukherjee and Modi.
He folded his hands together to say 'Namaste', the traditional Indian way of greeting, as he left for Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Gender Equality: Gone are the days of children saying sir and madam in schools, now they will address teachers like this
Gender Equality in Kerala: Adjectives like sir and madam are going to end for children to address teachers in schools. Gone are the days of addressing teachers as Sir and Madam. Now children will have
India's building energy could increase 7-fold, affect climate: IPCC author
Kolkata, March 9 (IANS) India must implement good practices to rein in its escalating energy use in buildings -- projected to increase seven-fold by mid-21st century, the author of an
Vikas Divyakirti Interview: ‘Now we will never work in the basement’, Vikas Divyakirti apologized; issued a statement
Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, the owner of Delhi's renowned coaching institute, Drishti IAS, broke his silence on the Old Rajinder Nagar incident. His first reaction came after the death of three UPSC
Why did viral girl Monalisa suddenly leave Maha Kumbh? She shared the video and told the reason.
Monalisa, known as the beauty fairy of Indore, finally got upset and left Prayagraj Mahakumbh. Beautiful-eyed Monalisa used to sell garlands in Mahakumbh, after whose video went viral, she is all over
Weather Update: Light rain forecast in some areas of Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan
Delhi Weather Update: In some areas of Haryana and Rajasthan including Delhi, people can get relief from the scorching heat. In fact, during the next two hours, there will be light intensity rain at
Ravanasura Trailer: Trailer of Ravi Teja's film 'Ravanasur', Mass Maharaja was seen doing strong action
Ravi Teja is one of the most popular actors in Telugu cinema. He will soon be seen in Ravanasur. Fans are eagerly waiting for his film. Seeing this eagerness of the fans, the makers have released the
IPL 2024: KKR's victory depends only on Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. The former CSK star told the truth
Two all-rounders of Kolkata Knight Riders are making a splash in IPL 2024. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, both explosive players from the Caribbean region, are looking in tremendous form this season.
Modi pays tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru
New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their death anniversary."Salute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Rocky's earnings were less than the film '83' on the first weekend, now eyes on Monday test
Director Karan Johar, who has been targeted by actress Kangana Ranaut for giving immense work to actors coming from a film background, has been blamed for the boom in the box office results of his
FIR against DLF, top officials for fraud
Gurgaon, March 17 (IANS) An FIR has been filed here against realty major DLF and its top officials for fraud, police said on Tuesday.The case has been registered at the Sushant Lok police station
