World News
‘US, India share historic bond’: Donald Trump greets India on 77th Republic Day
US President Donald Trump on Monday extended greetings to India on its 77th Republic Day, describing the relationship between the two countries as a “historic bond” shared by the world’s oldest and largest democracies.
US President Donald Trump on Monday extended greetings to India on its 77th Republic Day, describing the relationship between the two countries as a “historic bond” shared by 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,” Trump said in a message shared by the US Embassy in New Delhi.
“The United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” he added.
The greetings come at a time when bilateral ties are facing strain over several issues, including trade disputes and tariff policies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed his wishes, underlining the growing strategic and economic cooperation between the two nations.
“From our close cooperation on defense, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies to our multi-layered engagement through the Quad, the US-India relationship delivers real results for our two countries and for the Indo-Pacific region,” Rubio said in a statement.
“I look forward to working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead,” he added.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who attended the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path for the first time, praised India’s democratic spirit and highlighted defence ties.
“Happy Republic Day, India! Honored to attend the Republic Day Parade for the first time, a celebration of India’s Constitution and democratic spirit. Thrilled to see US-made aircraft soaring in the Indian sky, a powerful symbol of the strength of the US-India strategic partnership,” he said.
US-origin defence platforms, including C-130J transport aircraft and Apache helicopters, participated in the aerial display during the parade.
Trade tensions persist
Despite the warm diplomatic messaging, India-US relations have witnessed recent friction, particularly after the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, including a 50 per cent duty, with a portion linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Both countries have held multiple rounds of talks over a proposed bilateral trade agreement, but negotiations have stalled, largely due to Washington’s demands for greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
Other contentious issues include Trump’s earlier claims of mediating the India-Pakistan conflict and new US immigration policies, which have also added pressure to the relationship.
Even so, officials on both sides continue to emphasise the strategic importance of the partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, defence cooperation, and emerging technologies.
