New Delhi: US President Barack Obama arrived here Sunday morning on a three-day India visit - his second in five years - during which he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade Jan 26. Departing from protocol, he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the VVIP terminal of the Indira Gandhi International 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 jacked welcomed Obama, wearing a dark suit, with a hug. The two kept clasping hands, chatting and joking like old friends.