New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gifted US President Barack Obama the original copy of the first telegram from US to India’s Constituent Assembly.
The telegram was by former US secretary of state Dean Acheson to the Provisional Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Sachchidananda Sinha in 1950 congratulating India for creating its Constitution.
The telegram stated, “The sincere good wishes of the United States Government and of the people of the United States for a successful conclusion of the great task you are about to undertake. India has a great contribution to make to the peace, stability, and cultural advancement of mankind, and your deliberations will be watched with deep interest and hope by freedom loving people throughout the entire world.”
The US President was presented with souvenirs at Rajghat and Obama too gifted a ‘charkha’ at Rajghat. The US President is known for his appreciation of Gandhi’s ideals.
Earlier in the day, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama landed in New Delhi for their three-day visit of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the Air Force Station at Palam to greet the visiting dignitaries. The three shared pleasantries before President Obama left for his hotel.
Later, President Pranab Mukherjee formally welcomed his US counterpart to India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President Obama also visited Raj Ghat, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi via a wreath and planting a sapling at his final resting place.
President Obama, who is the chief guest of this year’s Republic Day parade, will be the first U.S. president to attend the Republic Day celebrations.
Obama, who visited India in 2010, will also be the first U.S. president to visit the country twice while in office.
(With inputs from ANI)