WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama will travel to India in January for its Republic Day celebrations, and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said.

“The president will meet with the prime minister and Indian officials to strengthen and expand the US-India strategic partnership,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

The president’s trip follows up on a visit to Washington in September by Modi, courted by the US as a key partner in its attempt to rebalance US foreign policy toward Asia.

The White House said Obama would be the first US president to attend India’s Republic Day celebration, which commemorates the adoption of India’s constitution.