U.S. President Barack Obama will fly to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to pay respects to Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, reported Reuters. He cancelled his visit to the Taj Mahal, cutting short his trip to India.
King Abdullah died Friday at age 90, succumbing to a battle with pneumonia. He was buried in an unmarked grave in accordance with Muslim tradition. He is succeeded by his half-brother, King Salman.
The White House said Obama would meet with the new king during his visit.
Obama is scheduled to arrive in India on Sunday for a three-day visit on an invitation by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be accompanied by a delegation including cabinet members, lawmakers, and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Obama will attend India's Republic Day celebration as the chief guest. Additionally, he plans to meet with Modi, attend a tree planting ceremony at a Gandhi memorial, and deliver a speech prior to his departure Tuesday morning.
