Obama was scheduled to visit Agra on January 27. (Agence France-Presse photo)
US President Barack Obama has cancelled plans to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra during his visit to India which begins tomorrow. Obama is cutting short his visit to India to fly to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah, US government sources said.
King Abdullah died on Friday after a short illness and has been succeeded by his 79-year-old brother Salman, raising concerns about political stability in Saudi Arabia, a longstanding US ally and the world's leading oil exporter.
"Yes, I can confirm that Obama's trip to Agra has been cancelled. This information was given by the US Team that was here, to the district Magistrate of Agra," Agra Commissioner Pradeep Bhatnagar said. Uttar Pradesh's Principal Secretary Navneet Sehgal said that American security team has left Agra.
Obama was scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal with wife Michelle on Tuesday, at the end of a three-day visit to the country. The Obamas had planned to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal during their visit in 2010 also, but couldn't do so at that time.
The US President is coming to India on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After attending the Republic Day parade on January 26 as chief guest, Obama was scheduled to go to Agra with family.
Elaborate security measures were put in place in Agra for the US President and his family. Hundreds of cleaners had been hired to spruce up Taj Mahal in preparation for their arrival.
An intense ground-to-air paraphernalia was also put in place to ensure that there is no untoward incident during the visit of the world's most guarded leader.
CCTV cameras have been installed along the route from the Kheria airport to Taj Mahal, a distance of about 11 km.
Obama will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and become the first serving US President to be guest of honour at the Republic Day parade during his second visit to India since taking office. He will attend Monday's military parade and give a speech on Tuesday morning before his early departure, said sources.