29-03-2024 10:22 AM Jerusalem Timing

Obama to Cut Short India Visit, Fly to Saudi Arabia

Obama to Cut Short India Visit, Fly to Saudi Arabia

US President Barack Obama will cut short his visit to India on Tuesday to fly to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah.

US President Barack Obama will cut short his visit to India on Tuesday to fly to Saudi Arabia following the death of King Abdullah.

The White House could not immediately be reached for comment. Obama was due to arrive in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day trip, and will attend the Republic Day parade at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

King Abdullah died on Friday after a short illness and has been succeeded by his elderly brother Salman, raising concerns about political stability in Saudi Arabia, a longstanding US ally and the world's leading oil exporter.

The White House said on Friday that Obama would speak with Salman in the next few days, but has not said that he would meet the new king.