The surveillance satellites will closely monitor Obama when he travels down the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi known as Rajpath. While he is seated next to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, the president will also be under watch.
These surveillance satellites are "so precise and accurate that they can monitor and track even the smallest suspicious object or movement at the venue which Obama visits," according to sources cited in a news report by the Asian Age.
The Secret Service has always placed a watchful eye during the president’s visits, but the announcement that he will be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade to commemorate the enactment of India’s constitution on January 26 has prompted speculation among officials that his visit might coincide with possible terror threats, according to the Times of India.
President Obama’s visit is being overshadowed by tensions that have arisen between Pakistan and India through cross-border skirmishes. Although no other reports have indicated that the visit coincides with threats, the level of surveillance will likely affect the traditional procession of the Republic Day Celebration.
It’s customary for the chief guest of the parade to arrive at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the guest is expected then to travel in the Indian president’s vehicle to Rajpath, according to the Indian Express.
Yet, sources have said that the Secret Service vehemently opposes that option. Instead, they want the president to travel in his own vehicle. The two options that are being discussed would include both presidents to share Obama's vehicle or for each to partake in their own respective vehicle, according to the Express.
The advance security team has already arrived in India to work other arrangements. Along with the surveillance satellites and the dozens of Secret Service agents, teams of U.S. marines and other special forces are expected to provide full-proof security including snipers and a dog squad, according to Zeenews.
Obama is the first US president to be the chief guest at the parade.
