New Delhi: At a commemorative event marking the 250th US Independence Day celebrations held at the US Embassy in New Delhi, US President Donald Trump expressed strong admiration for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “friend” and reaffirming close bilateral ties.

Addressing the gathering virtually, with US Ambassador Sergio Gor and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio present at the venue, Trump said:

“I love India. You (Ambassador Gor) have to make a good speech as a representative of our country. I just want to say hello to everybody. I love the Prime Minister. PM Modi is great; he is my friend.”

He further emphasised strong bilateral confidence, saying India could “100 per cent” rely on the United States.

“India can count on me 100 per cent. They call right here. We’re doing well. We’re setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market and anything India wants to get. I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

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Praising US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump added:

“Marco is the greatest. He is going down as the greatest Secretary of State in the history of our country.”

The event, organised to mark 250 years of US Independence since 1776, brought together diplomatic and cultural participation from both Indian and American sides. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also attended the celebration.

A highlight of the evening was a performance by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, with his iconic track Jai Ho receiving an enthusiastic response from attendees.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Sergio Gor highlighted the growing strength of India–US relations, describing the partnership as entering a “new era of shared success”.

He said:

“Every time the President (Trump) and I speak, one of the first questions the President will ask is, ‘How is my friend, the Prime Minister (Modi), doing?’ And that is something that is important to convey because this relationship is not new.”

He added that “America first does not mean America alone,” stressing that bilateral cooperation continues to expand in areas of mutual benefit.

Gor further noted that the US Embassy in New Delhi ranked first globally in investment promotion, with USD 20.5 billion in new investments directed to the United States.

“This bond is the foundation of a new era. We are actively delivering on the promise of our cooperation and building a future of tangible achievements,” he said.

He also confirmed progress on an interim trade deal framework, which is expected to be signed in the coming weeks, and highlighted expanding commercial diplomacy between the two countries.

The remarks come as US diplomatic engagement in India continues to intensify, with ongoing discussions on trade, technology, and strategic cooperation ahead of the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.