'Obama's presence at R-Day reflects strengthening of Indo-US relations': President Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said that U.S. President Barack Obama's presence at the Republic Day celebrations this year will reflect the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.

"The relationship between India and U.S. is a special one. Your presence at Republic Day will reflect the growing ties of friendship and trust that binds our two democracies closely," President Mukherjee said at the presidential banquet hosted in President Obama's honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

He added that the deepening of Indo-U.S. strategic and defence co-operation is for making the world a safer place.

President Mukherjee also stated that it was the shared vision that forms the bedrock of the relationship between the two countries.

"We are creating history, a better future together. It is the shared vision that forms the bedrock of our relationship today," he added.

President Mukherjee also stated that after meeting his U.S. counterpart in such a banquet during his last visit, he was "doubly happy to be your host this time".

President Obama, who is the chief guest of this year's Republic Day parade, will be the first U.S. president to attend the Republic Day celebrations tomorrow.

Obama, who visited India in 2010, is also the first U.S. president to visit the country twice while in office.