Wouldn't drive bike after watching the BSF daredevils: Obama

United States President Barack Obama would “not drive” a motorbike after watching the daredevil motorcycle performance by Border Security Force personnel at the Republic Day parade on Monday.

“I would, by the way, not drive a motorcycle after watching those incredible acrobats,” Obama said, clearly overwhelmed by the performance of the ‘Jaanbaaz’ bike riders and their daring stunts.

His comments at the Indo-US Business Forum meet on Monday evening came hours after TV grabs showed him and US First Lady Michelle Obama cheering and giving the thumbs up to the BSF daredevils -- famed for their formation of a human pyramid on moving bikes -- during their stunning display at the parade.

Obama, the first US president to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation extended to him for joining “in this incredible Republic Day celebrations and (for) the hospitality that you have shown to me”.

“Today’s ceremony and the parade were truly spectacular, a moving tribute to India’s founding, its democracy, its progress,” he said.

In a jocular vein indicating the series of meetings and speeches Modi and he have made since Sunday, the US President said, “I felt that the Prime Minister must be tired by now, but what’s another speech between friends,” as he began his speech at the business meet.