Obama begins India visit with 21-gun salute, red carpet welcome (Second Lead)

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) US President Barack Obama's India visit began Sunday with a ceremonial red carpet welcome at the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan. The US president, who is the chief guest at India's 66th Republic Day parade, said it is 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 the media in the forecourt of a decked up presidential palace.

Obama, who arrived nearly 15 minutes later than his scheduled time, was escorted by Wing Commander Puja Thakur as he inspected the tri-service guard of honour. This is the first time that a woman officer has led the guard of honour.

President's Bodyguard's mounted troops wearing bright red and blue turbans earlier escorted the US presidential motorcade that rolled in at 12.15 p.m. through the iron gates of the impressive red sandstone presidential palace.

The 21-gun salute sounded as horses escorted The Beast - carrying the US president - down the path leading to the forecourt.

Obama was received by President Pranab Mukherjee dressed in a black bandghala suit and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had changed into a pinstriped black bandhgala suit from his morning attire of light cream-coloured kurta pyjama with beige Nehru jacket paired with a red shawl.

The US president chatted and laughed with Mukherjee and Modi before proceeding to a podium for the ceremonial welcome with the US and Indian flags fluttering in the cold winter morning.

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 the 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. Also present were Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and Indian Ambassador to the US S. Jaishanker.

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.