India has declined to impose no-fly zone around Rajrathpathi Bhavan as demanded by the US secret service as part of the safety arrangements ahead of President Barack Obama's visit.
Imposing no-fly zone over Rajrathpathi Bhavan would mean that there shall be no traditional fly past, one of the main draw of the Republic Day celebrations.
"In any case, only twin-engine military aircraft and helicopters fly during the Republic Day parade. The actual flypast duration over Rajpath is around 10 minutes. Otherwise, throughout the year there is a no-fly zone over Rashtrapati Bhavan, South and North Blocks, the PM's residence and other nearby places," an official was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Obama's India visit has led to a vast unprecedented security measures in New Delhi. In view of the US president's security, the US secret service may also change the tradition of the Republic Day chief guest travelling in the President of India’s limousine from Rashtrapati Bhavan down Rajpath to the saluting base.
President Obama to arrive in India on Jan 25.