Prime Minister Narendra Modi checked into the Waldorf Astoria hotel after he landed in the US to commence his five-day visit.
A report by NDTV says PM Modi is staying in one of the 26 presidential suites of the iconic hotel, which has hosted many American presidents. Modi’s living room, which is on the 35th floor, has items used by earlier US presidents, like the rocking chair of John F Kennedy, and their portraits.
US President Barack Obama however, will be breaking this tradition for “security” reasons.
According to Associated Press, concerns about Chinese espionage has lead Obama to change hotels. The White House and State Department spokespersons, however, say that the decision was based on several considerations, including space, cost and security.
The Waldorf Astoria is a New York City landmark along with major icons like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. It has welcomed every US President since Herbert Hoover, the hotel’s history states.