New Delhi:  The ‘most powerful man in the world’ – the President of the US, Barack Obama – has set foot in the capital with First Lady Michelle Obama - to participate in the country’s Republic Day celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke the protocol as he received the Obamas at the airport – with a hug.
The most powerful couple left the airport and headed to Maurya hotel in their armoured limousine ‘The Beast’.
Obama will later visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and plant a sapling at the venue.
The trip will be followed by a luncheon meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and delegation level talks at the Hyderabad House. Nuclear deal will be on the cards at the ‘Walk and talk’ at Hyderabad house.
A media interaction is also scheduled later in the day.
The US President will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee, who will host a banquet for the former at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
On January 26, Obama will witness the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest, before attending the “At Home” Reception by President Mukherjee.
The same day, Obama will attend an India-US CEO Forum Meeting at Hotel Taj Palace, followed by the India-US Business Summit.
On the last day of his visit, the US President will give an address at the Siri Fort Auditorium, before leaving for Saudi Arabia to pay respects to the late King Abdullah’s family.