Tibetans expect Modi, Obama to discuss their cause

Exiled Tibetans of Dharamsala are expecting U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to nudge China to resolve the vexed Tibet issue.

Tibetans living in-exile hoped that both countries can influence China to resolve the decades old problem.

"India and America have a strong relation, trade relationship with China and with that I would say that a strong possibility that these two giant democratic nations of the world can influence China in many ways and our simple and very practical expectation would be to if they can discuss at this summit," said spokesperson of Tibetan Women's Association (TWA), Nyima,.

Meanwhile, director of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), Dorjee Tseten, said Obama-Modi meeting was of great importance for them.

"Especially this meeting is happening in India, which is just across the border what is happening inside Tibet, it is really important and we would like to see two leaders - Obama and Narendra Modi - to little but discuss about Tibet," said Tseten.

Earlier in the day, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama landed in New Delhi for their three-day visit of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at the Air Force Station at Palam to greet the visiting dignitaries. The three shared pleasantries before President Obama left for his hotel.

Later, President Pranab Mukherjee formally welcomed his US counterpart to India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Obama also visited Raj Ghat, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi via a wreath and planting a sapling at his final resting place.

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.

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