President Barack Obama jets off to India in the wee hours of Saturday morning, in the hope of making progress on climate change negotiations and national security talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is largely ceremonial, though, timed to coincide with Republic Day festivities, which mark the day in 1950 when the country's Constitution took effect. But global warming is on the agenda, along with other issues including India's intensifying disputes with Pakistan. The president will not visit Pakistan, unlike on his previous visit. He and the first lady plan to be back in Washington, D.C. early on Wednesday so he can partcipate in a farewell ceremony for outgoing Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.
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The president will spend three days on the subcontinent and will witness Republic Day ceremonies, which mark the day in 1950 India's Constitution took effect
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He and Michelle Obama will visit the Taj Mahal, the world's most famous palace of love
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600 people are at work in Agra cleaning streets, rounding up stray dogs and clearing away cattle in anticipation of the Obamas' visit
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Tensions between the US and India are expected to melt as Obama and Indian PM Narenda Modi renew their friendship
@placeholder officials say they hope the improving relationship between Obama and Modi will have payoffs in the policy arena.