India is marking its 77th Republic Day on Monday, commemorating the day the Constitution came into force in 1950.
“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,” the US President said as per the 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 US Embassy also shared a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump from the former’s state visit to Washington last year.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his Republic Day greetings to India, praising the growing Quad cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, particularly in the areas of defence and strategic engagement.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on your Republic Day,” Rubio said.
“The United States and India share a historic bond. 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,” he said, referring to the grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the US.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also extended his greetings to the country after attending the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path.
“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 the US-made aircraft soaring in the Indian sky, a powerful symbol of the strength of the US-India strategic partnership,” he said.
Trump’s message came at a time when bilateral ties have faced fresh strain, following his decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, of which 25 per cent is framed as a penalty for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
India has described the US tariffs as unjustified, asserting that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s interests and economic security.
However, Trump recently lauded PM Modi at Davos, referring to him as a close friend and expressing confidence that India and the United States would successfully reach a trade agreement.
“I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine,” Trump said. His comments came amid ongoing high-stakes negotiations between Washington and New Delhi, aimed at resolving a long-standing trade impasse marked by tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and disagreements over energy and agricultural issues.