- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Obama Ready to Breach Protocol, Prefers Own Bomb-Proof Limo Over Indian Car

© AP Photo / Jose Luis MaganaPresident Barack Obama limousine park at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014
President Barack Obama limousine park at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Indian and US security agencies are discussing security of motorcade for US President Barack Obama's visit to New Delhi. The US Secret Service does not consider Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's state car secure enough in comparison to Obama's presidential limousine.

US President Barack Obama - Sputnik International
Asia
US Secret Service Wary Over Obama's Security Ahead of India Visit
NEW DELHI, January 17 (Sputnik) — A face-off between Indian and US security agencies continues over motorcade arrangements for US President Barack Obama's visit to New Delhi, Indian Ministry of Home Affairs sources told Sputnik on Saturday.

According to the sources, the US Secret Service does not consider Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's state car secure enough in comparison to Obama's presidential limousine.

The Secret Service proposed that each leader ride separately in their own state vehicles, the source, wishing to remain anonymous due to security reasons, told Sputnik. Another option is to seat Mukherjee in Obama's motorcade when both dignitaries arrive for the Republic Day function later this month.

However, Indian security officials find the proposal in breach of protocol.

An Indian policeman patrols outside the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai - Sputnik International
World
About 200 Terrorists Planning Attacks Ahead of Obama Visit to India
Discussions between the countries' security officials over Obama's visit are ongoing and neither the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs or the Delhi Police were willing to go on record with comments.

The presidential limousine's 5-inch (12.7 cm) armor is capable of withstanding a bomb attack or even chemical and germ warfare and is considered by the Secret Service a safer state vehicle. According to former US Chief of Protocol Donald Ensenat, the presidential limousine is usually airlifted to overseas locations "where secure transportation is needed."

Obama is scheduled to attend the Republic Day celebration in India on January 26 as the chief guest. During his visit, the US president will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials to strengthen and expand US-Indian strategic partnership in areas including defense, economy, civil nuclear cooperation and climate change.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала