Extra precaution at border not for Obama's security alone: Parrikar

New Delhi, Jan 21: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said "extra precaution" is being taken at the borders ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit not just as a security measure for him but also to prevent incidents which might be undertaken to divert attention.

The Minister also said that expansion of the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative with the US can be expected during the high-profile visit.

"From our (Defence Ministry) side, we have made all the arrangements...the borders are well protected, well guarded and extra precaution is being taken," Parrikar told reporters here.

He said extra precaution is being taken not only for security but to prevent if someone tries "to focus the attention of the world in a different direction".

"Basically, if they do something in Kashmir, security (of Obama) is not a problem but you (media) will run there," he said. He was replying to questions about security arrangements being done for Obama who will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

Asked about Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) with the US, Parrikar said "it is already there. Expansion of that is expected".

Refusing to get into specific projects, Parrikar said discussions are in final stages. "At this moment, nothing can be confirmed. Let the finality come. In the next two-three days, the teams will finalise. It would then be approved by the Prime Minister," he said.

Replying to a query on what India expects from the US in defence field, Parrikar said that if the country establishes good relations with "bigger friends", a lot of problems would be resolved automatically.

PTI