Even as trade disputes and policy differences continue to weigh on bilateral ties, United States President Donald Trump on Monday described India and the US as partners linked by a “historic bond” while extending greetings on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day.
In a message shared by the US Embassy in New Delhi, Trump congratulated the people of India at a time when relations between the two countries have faced strain over tariffs, immigration policies and strategic disagreements.
“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.
“The United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” he added.
Rubio highlights strategic ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed Republic Day greetings, underlining expanding cooperation between the two countries across key sectors.
“From our close cooperation on defence, 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.
“I look forward to working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead,” he added.
Rubio’s remarks reflected Washington’s continued emphasis on strategic and economic engagement with New Delhi despite ongoing differences.
US envoy attends Republic Day parade
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor attended the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, calling the experience a reflection of the strength of India-US ties.
“Happy Republic Day, India! Honoured to attend the Republic Day Parade for the first time, a celebration of India’s Constitution and democratic spirit,” Gor said in a post.
He also said he was “thrilled” to see US-made aircraft in the aerial display, calling it a powerful symbol of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
US-origin C-130J transport aircraft and Apache helicopters were part of the flypast during the parade.
Trade tensions in the backdrop
The greetings came amid a downturn in relations following the Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 50 per cent on certain Indian goods, including a 25 per cent punitive levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.
The move drew sharp reactions from New Delhi and disrupted bilateral trade flows. Although both sides held several rounds of negotiations last year to finalise a proposed trade agreement, talks failed to make headway, with Washington pushing for greater access to India’s farm and dairy sectors.
Apart from trade, ties have also been tested by Trump’s claim of having ended the India-Pakistan conflict in May last year, as well as changes to US immigration policies that have affected skilled Indian workers.
Diplomatic sources said these issues have complicated efforts to reset relations, even as engagement continues in defence and strategic domains.