Obama, Modi Discuss Relations Between US, India During Landmark Visit
US leader says he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have 'agreed to deepen' their defense and security cooperation.
U.S. President Barack Obama said he agrees with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a "new vision" for the Asia Pacific region. In a joint news conference in New Delhi hours after arriving in India, the U.S. leader also said he and Modi have "agreed to deepen" their defense and security cooperation. Modi said the relationship between the U.S. and India "stands at a new level." Obama arrived in India Sunday for a three-day visit during which he will become the first American leader to attend the country’s Republic Day ceremony. Indian Prime Minister Modi demonstrated the importance of the visit by breaking protocol to receive Obama at the airport with a big hug. Their talks will primarily focus on trade, but also take in security, nuclear power and climate change. After his arrival, the U.S. president travelled to the presidential palace for an official welcoming ceremony with his Indian counterpart, Pranab Mukherjee. Obama placed a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial ahead of talks with Modi and later, a state dinner. On Monday, in addition to attending India’s Republic Day celebration, the U.S. president will speak at a CEO forum bringing together American and Indian business leaders. Obama canceled a planned trip to the Taj Mahal to travel to Saudi Arabia on January 27, and will cap his New Delhi visit with a speech earlier Tuesday laying out his vision for the future of U.S.-India relations.