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.
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. (IANS)