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People seek stronger economy, defence from Indo-US friendship
Enthusiastic visitors at India's 66th Republic Day parade were hopeful
that the apparent chumminess between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US
President Barack Obama will “improve the economy†of both countries and
especially “benefit†India in its fight against terrorism.
“It
feels good to host the world’s most powerful leader (Obama). It is also
heartening to see the friendship between him and Modi. America and India
both need each other,†Adesh Singh, a retired defence ministry official
who had come to see the parade with his family, told IANS on Rajpath.
“America has the technology and we have the workforce. So, together we can help strengthen each other’s economies,†he added.
Obama, who is on a three-day visit to India, is the first US president to be chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
Most
people at Rajpath were impressed by the two leaders walking on the
lawns of the verdant Hyderabad House and chatting over a cup of tea
Sunday like two friends, a scene which was beamed live by most
television channels.
In fact, the highly publicised
walk-and-talk of Modi and Obama was a topic of much discussion among the
audience as they waited for the parade to begin. Most of them had
gathered since early morning, braving rain and the January chill.
The
friendly warmth and camaraderie between the two leaders was on full
display again Monday over a two-hour period while watching the parade
and pageantry.
In fact, the popularity of the US president could
be gauged by the fact that Obama received a grand welcome as crowds
cheered and waved at him as soon as he alighted from his car - The Beast
- accompanied by wife Michelle.
Obama too waved back, much to the delight of the crowds.
A
group of young men even had a huge yellow colored poster with the
message -- We Love obamas, with a red heart signifying love.
"Friendly
relations between the two countries are quite common but when two
leaders become close that transcends into much better, quick and
effective results.
Modi and Obama both have that bond but they
must ensure that the people of both the countries see the results soon,â€
Ridhima Singh, a young chartered accountant, told IANS.
However, the issue of terrorism and better defence ties with the US seemed to be at the top of everyone’s minds.
“When
it comes to fighting terrorism emanating from our neighbourhoods, it
will definitely benefit us to have a strong ally like America,†Suresh
Rao, a central government employee, who came to see the parade with his
daughter, told IANS.
On the eve of his second visit to India,
Obama had said that “safe havens†of terrorism within Pakistan were "not
acceptable" and that the country should also bring those behind the
26/11 Mumbai attacks to justice.
“I hope that this bond will
only grow stronger with time and both the countries benefit each other,â€
said 25-year-old Karan Bhatia who attended the parade for the first
time braving the chilly winds and drizzle.
(Rahul Vaishanvi can be contacted at [email protected])