US asks for no-fly zone over Rajpath during Obama's visit on R-Day, India declines

New Delhi: India has declined the US request seeking no fly-zone over Rajpath during its President Barack Obama's visit for the Republic day, as per news reports on Sunday.

India declined the demand made by the US Secret Service as there would be flypast during the Republic Day ceremony, the reports stated.

The request was made in the wake of Obama's visit to India as the chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 for the first time.

Meanwhile, reports state that Obama has declined to abide by the protocol which states that the chief guest arrives at Rajpath in the President's car.

However, US has reportedly instead proposed two alternative conditions.

According to reports, US has suggested that either President Pranab Mukherjee travels to the venue in Obama's car or both of them travel in separate vehicles.

Obama's visit between January 25-27 is being seen as a sign of expanding ties between the two nations.

India traditionally invites a head of state to participate as chief guest at Republic Day celebrations that culminates in a military parade.

Last year's chief guest was the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Obama on his visit to the United States in September last year and they have spoken on telephone since then.

Obama, who had visited India in 2010, would also be the first US President to visit the country twice while in office.

(With PTI Inputs)