U.S President Barack Obama addressed a gathering at Siri Fort in Delhi on Tuesday. He spoke on the future of India-US ties. The Hindu 's Diplomatic and Strategic Affairs Editor Suhasini Haidar gives us live updates.
12:32 pm:
Red carpet at Palam airport before US President >@BarackObama leaves Delhi. Photo by >@rvmoorthyhindu>@the_hindu>pic.twitter.com/a7MMRB0Y1m
— Delhi Connect (@DelhiConnect) >January 27, 2015
A rousing and inspiring speech by the President on the values that bind our two nations and define our destinies.
— Nisha Biswal (@NishaBiswal) >January 27, 2015
11: 35 am: Michell Obama and Barack Obama walk through audience in auditorium as the song Mitwa from film Lagaan plays.
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama with Kailash Satyarthi, third from right, his wife Sumedha Satyarthi (left), with Deepak, and Payal Jangid at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. Photo: AP
Every cellphone is out as Obama's work the crowd >pic.twitter.com/z5FyhQM5ym
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >January 27, 2015
11:33 am: Optimistic about our future, we vote in free elections, reach for heights, respect human rights. Imaginations beyond our lives: Obama
11: 30 am: The crowd cheers as President Obama quotes from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge - "Senorita, bade bade desho mein..... you know what I mean."
11:30 am: Mr. Obama introduces Vishal,16, who he met at Humayuns Tomb in 2010. He says Vishal is an example of young talent with aspirations to study.
11: 25 am: Every Indian should celebrate the susccess of Shahrukh Khan, Mary Kom, Milkha Singh equally,not by colour of skin, or worship, he says.
11: 24 am: Freedom of religion is written in our constitution. Michelle and I have been strengthened by our Christian faith: President Obama
11: 22 am: Every daughter is as important as a son. Incredible to see all the women in the Indian armed forces: Obama
11: 21 am: President Obama introduces Nancy Pelosi to audience to show where women can reach in the US. He says nations are successful when girls are.
11: 20 am: "The dreams of those who do menial jobs are just as worthy as ours. Luckily we live in countries where they can dream. In India and US, the grandson of a cook can be president, son of a dalit as president,tea-seller a prime minister"
11:19 am: Even though America has blessed us, there were moments in my life where I was treated differently because of the colour of my skin: Obama
11:17 am: We are the strongest when we see the inherent dignity in everybody: Obama
11: 15 am: "It is unfair for developed countries to ask developing countries to cut carbon emissions. But if we don't, there is no chance against climate change"
11: 14 am: In recent years, India has lifted more people from poverty than any other country: Obama
11: 13 am: "India and US can work on vaccines to ensure no child dies of preventable disease."
11: 12 am: "We want to see a reformed United Nations security council that has India as a member." Audience cheer loudly for this
11: 11 am: Both nations have felt the brunt of terrorism. Now rising to new challenges like maritime navigation in the east: Obama
11: 10 am: We can finally move towards implementing the civilian nuclear deal which will give Indians much needed electricity: President Obama
11: 08 am: The world would be a lot safer when our 2 democracies stand together: President Obama
11: 06 am: President Obama speaks of Vivekananda US visit: says, having thrown off colonialism, we begin our constitutions the same way,"We the People"
. >@BarackObama :We aren't just natural partners,but US can be India's best partner. World'll be safer when our two democracies stand together
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >January 27, 2015
11: 05 am: India represents intersection of two men who have inspired me: Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.Those two great souls are why we're here today
11:03 am : Secret Service doesn't let me ride motorcycles, especially on my head, says U.S. President Barack Obama referring to daredevil bikers on R-Day.
11:00 am: U.S. President Barack Obama arrives. Starts Siri Fort address with "Namaste"!
Michelle Obama walks in to cheers, sits down in front row, just in front of Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi .
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >January 27, 2015
10: 57 am: First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama arrives at Siri Fort Auditorium.
10:53 am: Noble laureate Kailash Satyarthi arrives. Audience at Siri Fort Auditorium applauds the Nobel prize winner he walks before Obama address.
10:49 am: Mr. Obama to speak on “India and America: The Future We Can Build Together”. It is his last engagement before he leaves India.
10:39 am: Mr. Obama's address to begin shortly.
10:24 am: Delhi Traffic Police: "Buses are not allowed on Bhisham Pitamaah Marg and Panchsheel Marg due to VVIP movement. Inconvenience regretted."
10:20 am: Mr. Obama will meet Noble laureate Kailash Satyarthi who along with Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the rights of all children to education.” > Read here
10: 00 am: VVIP movement has officially begun; buses disallowed on Panchsheel Marg, Dhaula Kuan already clogged due to closure of SP Marg. - From our reporter Jatin Anand
08: 50 am: The auditorium is nearly full. More than an hour ahead of time.
The Audi is nearly full... More than an hour ahead of time. >@BarackObama to give a speech on india us ties >pic.twitter.com/oFEqwiK6wc
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >January 27, 2015
The line to get into the lecture by >@BarackObama !Rivals the visa lines of the past ;) >#ObamaInIndia>pic.twitter.com/uyq6JKckuX
— Suhasini Haidar (@suhasinih) >January 27, 2015
President Obama had planned to visit the Taj Mahal after this address, but the trip was cut short as he was visiting Saudi Arabia to meet the new King Salman.
> OBAMA'S VISIT TO INDIA
- › DAY 1: JANUARY 25, 2015
- › Arrival in the morning and Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
- › Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
- › Homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat
- › Bilateral discussions with PM Narendra Modi, followed by a luncheon
- › Meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee
- › Banquet hosted by the President
- › DAY 2: JANUARY 26, 2015:
- › Republic Day function and Rashtrapathi Bhavan Ceremonial
- › 'At home' with Pranab Mukherjeeand a round table with CEOs
- › DAY 3: JANUARY 27, 2015:
- › To address a select gathering
- › Leaves for Saudi Arabia