Obama leaves India for Saudi Arabia

NEW DELHI: US President Barack Obama left India for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday after a three-day visit focused on improving relations between the world´s largest democracies.

As Air Force One took off from a military airport in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a farewell message on Twitter saying the visit had "taken India-USA ties to a new level & opened a new chapter".

Obama also tweeted his thanks to Modi "for a memorable visit, and to the Indian people for their warm welcome".

The president had been due to visit the Taj Mahal on the final day of his visit, but cut the trip short so he can pay his respects to the new Saudi king.