Obama's visit to India is aimed at strengthening the country's strategic partnership and building a friendship with Prime Minister Modi, who was previously unwelcome in Washington. Obama will be the first US president to attend India's Republic Day parade, a symbol of military strength once associated with Cold War tensions, and will also appear on a radio show with Modi. The invitation to the parade, extended by Modi himself, marks a significant improvement in the relationship between the two nations, which was strained just a year ago. In an interview with India Today magazine, Obama expressed hope for a closer partnership between India and the US. Modi welcomed Obama and his wife, Michelle, on the tarmac in New Delhi as they arrived on Air Force One on a foggy winter morning. The two leaders embraced each other warmly, which was a departure from the usual protocol of the prime minister not personally welcoming foreign leaders upon their arrival. Modi made the decision to break this tradition himself, surprising his own staff. As Obama's motorcade made its way to the welcome ceremony at the president's residence, the roads were heavily guarded by armed police and soldiers as part of a carefully planned visit. Reports suggest that up to 40,000 security personnel will be present during the visit, and 15,000 new closed-circuit surveillance cameras have been installed in the capital. Both sides have been working to come to agreements on climate change, taxation, and defense cooperation before the visit. Talks on a potential deal on civil nuclear trade were intense and no clear solution was reached. The United States sees India as a valuable market and potential counterbalance to China in Asia, but is often frustrated with India's slow economic reforms and reluctance to align with the US on global issues. India is hoping for a new approach from the US towards Pakistan, especially in terms of security and regional matters. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed this desire for greater understanding with the US ahead of Obama's visit to Davos. Elected in May of last year, Modi has brought new energy to the economy and foreign relations, and has started to challenge China's influence in South Asia, which has pleased Washington. The current annual trade between the US and India is considered to be much lower than it could be, and the US hopes to increase it fivefold. Due to the death of King Abdullah, President Obama will be leaving India slightly earlier than planned to visit Saudi Arabia instead of going to the Taj Mahal. Like Obama, Modi comes from a humble background and has risen to prominence in a political landscape dominated by powerful families. Their bond was strengthened during a visit to the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington in September, as both leaders draw inspiration from figures like King and Gandhi. The connection between Modi and Obama is noteworthy due to their differing political stances and Modi's past controversies. Despite Obama's close relationship with Modi's predecessor, Manmohan Singh, tensions between the US and India have arisen, particularly regarding trade issues. According to Ashley Tellis, the two countries have yet to fully solidify their geopolitical alliance. Efforts to revive the 2009 nuclear deal, which did not fulfill expectations for US businesses, are currently underway. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes informed reporters this week that there is great potential in the relationship and the goal is to transform that potential into tangible advantages for both nations.