Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most interesting politicians in India. By inviting U.S. President, Barack Obama, to next year's Republic Day celebrations, he has stumped his critics and surprised even supporters.
He informed the nation of his decision in a tweet, "This Republic Day, we hope to have a friend over ... invited President Obama to be the first U.S. president to grace the occasion as chief guest." The White House was quick to accept the invite, underscoring the importance Washington attaches to restoring dynamism to U.S.-India relations and the confidence it has in the ability of Modi to deliver.
With this visit, Obama will become the only president to visit India twice during his term in office.