New Delhi: The United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies, US President Donald Trump said on Monday while extending greetings to India on the occasion of its 77th Republic Day.
In a message issued on behalf of the American people, Trump congratulated the government and citizens of India, underscoring the enduring democratic ties between the two nations. The message was shared by the US Embassy in New Delhi on social media.
The greetings come at a time when bilateral relations have witnessed strain over several issues, including trade disputes and tariff policies. Despite these challenges, senior US officials reiterated the importance of the India-US partnership.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended Republic Day wishes, describing the relationship as one that delivers tangible results for both countries and the broader Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted cooperation in defence, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies, along with sustained engagement through the Quad framework.
“I look forward to working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead,” Rubio said in a statement.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who attended the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path for the first time, praised India’s constitutional values and democratic spirit. He also pointed to the participation of US-made aircraft in the parade as a symbol of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
US-origin platforms, including C-130J transport aircraft and Apache helicopters, were part of the aerial display during the parade.
India-US relations have faced a downturn in recent months following the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods by the Trump administration, including a 25 per cent punitive levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. Multiple rounds of negotiations were held last year to finalise a bilateral trade agreement, but talks remain inconclusive, largely due to Washington’s demand for greater access to India’s farm and dairy sectors.
Beyond trade, ties have also been strained over issues such as US claims related to the India-Pakistan conflict last year and changes in American immigration policy.
