US President Barack Obama's visit has opened new chapter in ties: PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: As US President Barack Obama left India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his visit has taken the bilateral relations to a new level and opened a new chapter.

"Farewell @WhiteHouse! Your visit has taken India-USA ties to a new level & opened a new chapter. Wish you a safe journey," Modi tweeted as Obama took off for Saudi Arabia, concluding his three-day trip here.

The White House also thanked Modi and the Indian people for making the visit memorable.

"Thank you @NarendraModi for a memorable visit, and to the Indian people for their warm welcome," the White House said in a tweet, which was re-tweeted by Modi.

In his tweets, the Prime Minister also referred to the rains yesterday during the Republic Day parade, apparently referring to the uncomfortable situation created by it with Obama himself having to carry an umbrella for some time.

"As for the rainy day yesterday, as you yourself said @WhiteHouse today morning, Bade Bade Deshon Mein (in big, big countries)... ," Modi tweeted.

The words 'Bade Bade Deshon Mein Aisi Choti Choti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hai...' were spoken by Shahrukh Khan to Kajol in the movie 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge'.

In another tweet, Modi said he had presented to Obama a set of recordings from the tour of American singer Marian Anderson in 1957.

"The recordings consist of Ms Anderson's interview to AIR & a video capturing her rendition of the hymn ' Lead Kindly Light' at Gandhi Smriti," he added.