New Delhi,jan.13 : The US Secret Service is yet to give its clearance for President Barack Obama to travel in President Pranab Mukherjee’s limousine to the saluting base on Rajpath for the Republic Day parade.
Indian officials have told their US counterparts that as per tradition, the chief guest travels in the President of India’s limousine from Rashtrapati Bhavan down Rajpath to the saluting base.
The President will alight first followed by the chief guest, who will be later introduced to the prime minister. But the US Secret Service has refused to allow Obama to travel in any other vehicle except his own, “THE BEAST”.
A custom-made vehicle by General Motors, the Beast is reported to cost more than $1 million. It is fitted with military-grade armour, night vision cameras, an encrypted satellite phone and a sealed off interior that can keep Obama and his passengers safe from a possible chemical attack.
The sources said US officials have suggested two options: the two Presidents travel in their respective vehicles or both travel in the Beast that will sport the flags of the two countries.
But protocol requires that the vehicle carrying Mukherjee and Obama should bear the official emblem of the Government of India, the lion capital of Ashoka.
A bullet-proof shield is likely to come up in and around the VVIP enclosure.
