Obama arrives in New Delhi; received by Modi

New Delhi: US President Barack Obama arrived here Sunday morning on a three-day India visit - his second in five years - during which he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade Jan 26. Departing from protocol, he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the VVIP terminal of the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

As Obama alighted from his Air Force One jet shortly after 9.45 a.m. local time, Modi, donning a prominent red shawl across his beige-coloured Nehru jacked welcomed Obama, wearing a dark suit, with a hug. The two kept clasping hands, chatting and joking like old friends.

The US president was accompanied by his wife Michelle, wearing a white and blue flower-printed dress. The welcoming ceremony was short and the Obamas were whisked away within minutes in The Beast, the presidential limousine, that was parked right across the red carpet.