Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed Republic Day parade chief guest US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at their arrival at the saluting dais at Rajpath in the national capital. A cheer lit the air as Prime Minister Modi and President Obama shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived at the venue and shook hands with the Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force Staff - General Dalbir Singh, Admiral RK Dhowan and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha respectively.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the memorial dedicated to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.
President Obama is the first U.S. president to attend the Republic Day celebrations and is also the first U.S. president to visit the country twice while in office.
