Border security stepped up ahead of Obama visit

Security has been stepped up along the international border between India and Pakistan in view of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to India for this year's Republic Day celebrations.

Rakesh Sharma, Inspector General (IG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), said, "With 26 January, our Republic Day coming and also President of America visiting India on our Republic Day, there are inputs that there could be some nefarious design from the Pakistan side like cross-border firing or may be to infiltrate out terrorists to cause disruption in India. But we are alert and we have made the arrangements in the international border. Our soldiers are totally alert day and night."

He also said the country's borders are vulnerable during special occasions and high profile visits.

"We have provided adequate manpower, resources and proper briefing. Also at the completed border we have deployed BSF in the international borders. Also the commanders are available in the border area to monitor the situation and give a befitting reply," Sharma said.

Obama will arrive in New Delhi on January 25 to take part in Republic Day celebrations on the invitation of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He will be the first U.S. President to attend a Republic Day celebration, the White House said. Obama, who visited India in 2010, would also be the first U.S. president to visit the country twice while in office.

Obama's participation at Republic Day celebrations as chief guest is a sign of steadily expanding ties between the two countries that share concerns about China's growing power in Asia.

India traditionally invites a head of state to participate as chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, which culminates in a military parade including its nuclear capable missiles.

Modi met Obama on a visit to the United States in September last year and they have spoken by telephone since. Their relationship is thought to have helped resolve a major trade spat in the World Trade Organization.