India to Put in Place All Security Measures Prior to Obama Visit

All of New Delhi has been declared a special zone, with the Indian and US security agencies considering safety measures both in New Delhi and Agra, where President Obama will visit the Taj Mahal.

NEW DELHI, January 19 (Sputnik) – All the necessary security arrangements will be put in place in India ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to the country, the Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs said Monday.

"Whatever necessary has to be done. Security agencies are doing their work. As a nation it is our responsibility," Kiren Rijiju told reporters.

According to Rijiju, security is decided on a needs basis. "Any Head of State's visit is taken care of, it is our sovereign responsibility. There is nothing related to one particular visit," Rijiju said.

The security of President Obama, who will visit the country during India's Republic Day on January 26, is a matter for both the Indian and US security agencies.

All of New Delhi has been declared a special zone, with the Indian and US security agencies considering safety measures both in New Delhi and Agra, where the President will visit the Taj Mahal.

The Border Security Force has put in place an additional 1,200 personnel along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, due to the latest infiltration attempt through the Jammu and Kashmir border with Pakistan, according to a source.

Last week, a senior military official stated that terrorists were planning major attacks in India, aiming to target the civilian population and schools having created a "module and war room-type infrastructure."