Trump greets India on 77th Republic Day, calls US-India ties a 'historic bond'

New Delhi: The United States and India share a longstanding relationship rooted in their democratic traditions, US President Donald Trump said on Monday as he extended greetings to India on the occasion of its 77th Republic Day.

In a message released by the US embassy in New Delhi, Mr Trump congratulated the Indian government and people, describing the two countries as the world’s oldest and largest democracies. “On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of India as you celebrate your 77th Republic Day,” he said.

The message came at a time when bilateral ties have faced strains over several issues, including US trade and tariff policies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed his greetings, highlighting the depth of cooperation between the two countries. He said the US–India partnership had delivered tangible outcomes through collaboration in defence, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies, as well as through multilateral engagement under the Quad framework. Mr Rubio added that he looked forward to advancing shared objectives in the year ahead.

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US Ambassador also extends greetings

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor attended the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path and described the event as a celebration of India’s Constitution and democratic values. He said the presence of US-made aircraft in the flypast underscored the strength of the strategic partnership between the two nations. C-130J transport aircraft and Apache attack helicopters featured in the aerial display.

Despite the symbolic show of warmth, relations between New Delhi and Washington have been under pressure in recent years. Ties suffered a major setback after the Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Although the two sides held several rounds of negotiations last year to finalise a proposed bilateral trade agreement, talks have yet to yield a deal, largely due to US demands for greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.

Relations have also been tested by other contentious issues, including Mr Trump’s claim of having ended the India–Pakistan conflict in May last year and concerns in New Delhi over Washington’s new immigration policies.

PTI