Obama is the first U.S. President to be a guest of honor at the annual festivity.
US President Barack Obama on Monday broke secret service's sacred security protocol by remaining in the open for more than two hours when he graced the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi as the chief guest.
He also departed from the tradition of not accompanying President of India and preferred to be driven to the venue in his own multi-layered bulletproof car 'The Beast'. Obama spent over two hours in the open as the chief guest of India's 66th Republic Day celebrations.
The security guidelines of secret service, the exclusive agency responsible for an American President's security, mandate that he does not spend more than 45 minutes at any open-air venue.
According to American media reports, the US President has never been on an outdoor event for more than 40 minutes.
He also reached the parade venue in his own car. The move is seen as a departure from tradition, as it's customary for chief guests at the event to arrive and depart with the Indian President in his car from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama place their hands over their hearts during the playing of the US National Anthem at a receiving line with India’s President Pranab Mukherjee (front L) before the start of an official Indian State Dinner for Obama at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi January 25, 2015.
President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi watch an award ceremony and parade from their viewing stand overlooking the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, Jan. 26, 2015.
Aerial view of the paramilitary contingents taking part in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, Jan. 26, 2015.
A spectator holds a placard that reads "We Love Obama" as the motorcade of President Obama departs following the conclusion of the country's Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Jan. 26, 2015.
Tanks and missile launchers rolled down the Rajpath in central Delhi
Paramilitary soldiers on motorbikes performed daredevil stunts