India's Modi rolls out red carpet for new buddy Obama

Source: France 24

Barack Obama arrives in India this weekend for an unprecedented second visit by a serving US president, the honoured guest of his new friend Narendra Modi who was a Washington outcast only a year ago.

As well as holding bilateral talks, the leaders of the world's two largest democracies will address CEOs, appear on a radio phone-in and watch a spectacular parade together in a visit that underscores their closeness.


An Indian kitemaker poses with kites adorned with images of US President Barack Obama (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Amritsar on January 21, 2015
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While recent swings through Asia have included multiple stopovers, India is Obama's only destination this time, despite the risk of offending neighbouring Pakistan.

"There's no question this is a defining time in the US-India relationship," US Ambassador Richard Verma said in New Delhi Wednesday. "Things not only feel different, they are different."



Read more: http://www.france24.com/en/20150122-indias-modi-rolls-out-red-carpet-new-buddy-obama/

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Another interesting sidelight:

"The US president and wife Michelle will also travel to the Taj Mahal, with hundreds of photographers on hand to snap the first couple's visit to the ultimate monument to love."

Fairly comprehensive background report on recent American-Indian relations in rest of article.