Obama is making a new effort to strengthen India as a long-term strategic partner by building a friendship with Prime Minister Modi, who was previously not well-liked in Washington. This visit marks the first time a US president will attend India's Republic Day parade, which has historically been associated with anti-American sentiment from the Cold War era. Obama will also appear on a radio show with Modi. The relationship between the two countries, which was strained just a year ago, seems to be improving. Obama expressed optimism about the potential for India and America to become strong global partners in an interview with India Today. Modi welcomed Obama and his wife, Michelle, at the New Delhi airport, signaling a positive start to their visit. The two leaders embraced each other warmly, deviating from the usual protocol where the prime minister does not greet foreign leaders upon their arrival. Instead, they are met at a formal ceremony at the presidential palace. Modi's decision to break tradition surprised even his own handlers, as reported by the media. Obama's motorcade was surrounded by armed police and soldiers as it headed towards the welcome ceremony at President Pranab Mukherjee's residence, part of a well-planned visit. Media reports state that up to 40,000 security personnel will be present during the visit, with 15,000 new closed-circuit surveillance cameras installed in the capital. Both sides have been working towards reaching agreements on climate change, taxation, and defense cooperation in time for the visit. Negotiations on a potential civil nuclear trade deal came down to the wire over the weekend without a clear resolution. The United States sees India as a large market and potential counterbalance to China in Asia, but is often frustrated by India's slow pace of 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 is seeking a deeper understanding with the US on regional matters, according to India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at Davos before Obama's visit. Elected in May, Modi has brought a new energy to the economy and foreign relations, and has started to push back against China's influence in South Asia, much to the satisfaction of Washington. The current annual bilateral trade of $100 billion is considered to be well below its potential, and the US hopes to see it increase by five times. Due to the passing of King Abdullah, Obama will be leaving India earlier than planned to visit Saudi Arabia instead of going to the Taj Mahal. Both Obama and Modi come from humble beginnings and have worked their way up in politics. They bonded in Washington when Obama took Modi to Martin Luther King's memorial, whose civil rights movement was inspired by India's Mahatma Gandhi. The relationship between Modi and Obama is noteworthy due to their differing political stances and the history of Modi being banned from the US. Despite Obama's close friendship with Modi's predecessor, ties between the US and India have faced challenges, including disputes over protectionism and the abrupt departure of the US ambassador from New Delhi. According to Ashley Tellis, there is still work to be done to strengthen the geopolitical relationship between India and the US. Recent meetings have focused on finding a solution to issues surrounding the 2009 nuclear deal. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes stated to reporters this week that there is great potential in the relationship and the goal is to translate that potential into tangible benefits for both nations.