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.
Tamil Nadu Floods: The Air Force came as an angel for the woman trapped in the flood, and gave birth to a child the very next day
The southern districts of Tamil Nadu are facing floods these days. Air Force and Army are engaged in relief and rescue operations. On Tuesday, the Air Force rescued a pregnant woman from the floods,
Covid-19 Update: Decrease in corona cases, 134 new cases were found in 24 hours; Know the positivity rate
The faster the cases of the corona were increasing in the country, the faster they are decreasing. After the arrival of 134 new cases of coronavirus infection in the country within the last 24 hours,
Home-stay policy in Haryana soon: Kanwarpal
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Haryana's Minister for Education, Tourism and Forests, Kanwarpal Gurjar, during a special talk, discussed about the three departments to be implemented and
Kochi Biennale accords Indian artists global context: Experts
Kochi, Feb 17 (IANS) The ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale '14 (KMB) has succeeded in according Indian artists a much more international context, leading international cultural ambassadors have
Vijay: Vijay urges Tamil Nadu government not to implement CAA, calls the law 'unacceptable'
The central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The CAA was an integral part of the BJP's manifesto for the
Singapore firm commissions first power project in India
Hyderabad, March 2 (IANS) Singapore firm Sembcorp Industries's first power project in India has commenced commercial operation.The firm on Monday announced completion of the first 660-megawatt unit
Watson has answered his critics fittingly: Brett Lee
Sydney, March 21 (IANS) Former Australian pacer Brett Lee believes all-rounder Shane Watson has finally answered his critics after playing a match-winning knock in Friday’s six-wicket World
Denied entry again in Delhi Secretariat, media fumes
New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) The Arvind Kejriwal led-government did not allow the media to enter the Delhi Secretariat for the second consecutive day Tuesday much to the anger and frustration of many
IND vs AUS: Will Rohit and Kohli's bats work today? The statistics of both in the ICC tournament against Australia are frightening.
The semi-final match of the Champions Trophy will be played between India and Australia today. This match will be played at the Dubai International Stadium from 2.30 pm. The Indian team has never been
Book Fair: Foreign Exhibitors Seek Business, Cultural Ties
New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS) The international publishers participating in the ongoing Delhi World Book Fair 2015 here not only want to do good business, but also bridge cultural ties and introduce
