Obama begins landmark visit to India

New Delhi: Barack Obama on Sunday began an unprecedented second visit to India by a serving US president, aiming to consolidate what he has called one of the "defining partnerships of the 21st century".

Obama will be the first US president to be chief guest at India´s Republic Day parade, a colourful celebration of the country´s military might and cultural diversity, signalling a growing closeness between the world´s two largest democracies.

He received a hug from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he disembarked from Air Force One in New Delhi at the start of a visit, which is seen as symbolising a new warmth in sometimes strained bilateral ties.

Modi has invited Obama to co-host a radio phone-in show and is reportedly planning to host a private dinner at his Delhi home for the president, who will be accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama.

The couple was scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal, India´s famed monument to love, but their trip has been cut short to allow Obama to travel on to Saudi Arabia and pay respects to new King Salman. (AFP)