JOIN USUS President Barack Obama appears to be on the same page with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when it comes to praising President Pranab Mukherjee’s political acumen.
Obama, departing from the customary “At Home” with wife Michelle, complimented host President Pranab Mukherjee by saying: "It's wonderful to have such an experienced person as the President of India."
This was in response to Mukherjee’s "very happy to receive him in India" parting remarks as Obama left Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Modi has held Pranab Mukherjee in high regards. “A half-an-hour talk with him is like reading a good book,” Modi had stated exhibiting his admiration for the president.
"Pranab Da has given his life to India. A few people can match his political experience & stature. We are honoured to have a President like him," Modi had tweeted on President’s 79th birthday on December 11.
In the packed schedule since his Sunday arrival, Obama and wife Michelle had time to mix with the ruling class at the majestic Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
With large canopies fixed on the lush green lawns to beat the bad weather, Obama dressed in dark suit and Michelle wearing pastel floral print knee-length dress were taken around and introduced to dignatories, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and others, by Pranab Mukherjee.
Prior to that, Mukherjee walked into the lawns and shook hands with Obama, with unrelenting photographers desperate to click pictures.
After watching the Republic Day parade as the chief guest for near two-and-half hours, the US first couple was the cynosure of the gathering – shaking and waving hands, nodding to others’ wishes in between taking pauses for flash bulbs to click.
Sharing a table with Modi, Mukherjee, Manmohan Singh, the US President had tea with them. Among the VVIPs present were senior BJP leaders including its president Amit Shah and patriarch L K Advani.