Tight security in Delhi during Barack Obama's visit

Agencies from India and the US have started working out security modalities for the maiden visit of President Barack Obama to the national capital early next month.

A senior police official said that the security and traffic plans were being worked out for the visit beginning November 7. Obama is likely to leave the city on the morning of November 9.

"We have started planning for the visit. There will be elaborate security and traffic arrangements for Obama in the city," the official said.

Obama is likely to stay in Maurya Sheraton on Sardar Patel Marg, which will be converted into a virtual fortress with multiple rings of security. The hotel will be out of bounds for the public during his stay there.

Proximity security to Obama will be given by his guards while the other cordons will be manned by personnel from Delhi police and paramilitary forces.

Sharp shooters are expected to be deployed on high-rises along the routes which Obama will take to reach his destinations, the official said.

"We cannot discuss the finer details of our plans. But we can tell that the arrangements will be of the highest order," he said.

CIA chief Leon Panetta was in the country for nearly a week in September-end during which he met Union home minister P Chidambaram and senior officials ahead of Obama's visit.

Obama is expected to reach the capital on November 7 and is likely to visit Raj Ghat next day to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, whom he considers an inspiration to all Americans.

He will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Hyderabad House and later address the members of Parliament at Central Hall of Parliament.

Security agencies are also ensuring fool-proof security for US First Lady Michelle Obama as she is expected to have her own programme during the visit.