Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi to join US delegation to India

WASHINGTON - First Lady Michelle Obama will join President Barack Obama on his trip to India next week for Republic Day celebrations where they will be the guests of honour, White House officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Obama has been trying to foster closer economic and defence ties with India. He will also take with him Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, Democratic Senator Mark Warner, and a host of other lawmakers, cabinet members, and business leaders, the White House said.

The Obamas are set to tour the Taj Mahal at the end of their three-day trip. But their daughters Malia and Sasha will not join them, quashing some speculation in the Indian press that they would tag along.

The White House said Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, tend only to travel with their parents when they are on vacation from school.

Last year, they travelled with the first lady on a visit to China.