Obamas land in Delhi, welcomed by Modi

New Delhi: US President Barack Obama on Sunday arrived here on a three-day visit during which both sides will seek to break the deadlock in operationalising the civil nuclear pact, firm up a defence cooperation agreement besides broadening ties in areas like trade and investment. 

 In a departure from protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Obama, who was accompanied by his wife Michelle and a high-level delegation, at the Palam airport.

As Obama alighted from his Air Force One jet shortly after 9.45 a.m. local time, Modi, donning a prominent red shawl across his beige-coloured Nehru jacket welcomed Obama, wearing a dark suit, with a hug. The two kept clasping hands, chatting and joking like old friends.

The US president was accompanied by his wife Michelle, wearing a white and blue flower-printed dress. The welcoming ceremony was short and the Obamas were whisked away within minutes in The Beast, the presidential limousine, that was parked right across the red carpet.

The two countries will also deliberate on ways to boost trade and economic ties as well as the crucial issue of climate change.