Trump Hails US-India Historic Bond on 77th Republic Day

January 26, 2026

United States President Donald Trump extended his heartfelt greetings to India on the occasion of its 77th Republic Day, describing the relationship between the two nations as a “historic bond” even as bilateral ties face ongoing tensions over trade and tariffs. The message was shared by the US Embassy in New Delhi and highlighted the enduring partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies.

Historic Bond of Democracies

In his congratulatory message, Trump said:

“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 United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies.”

His remarks underscore the strategic and democratic ties that the two nations have cultivated over decades, underlining mutual respect and shared values despite differences on certain policy fronts.

Context of Strained Ties

The Republic Day greetings come against a backdrop of heightened tensions in India-US relations, particularly over issues like trade tariffs, where the Trump administration’s policies have imposed significant levies on Indian goods, and disagreements around market access. These factors have contributed to stalled negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, even as cooperation in defence and strategic arenas continues.

Rubio and US Officials Echo Support

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed his congratulations to India, emphasizing the broad scope of cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted close collaboration in key sectors such as defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies, along with joint engagement through strategic frameworks like the Quad aimed at enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Rubio added that he looks forward to advancing shared objectives in the coming year, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties despite existing challenges.

US Ambassador at Kartavya Path

The United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor attended the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. He described the experience as a celebration of India’s constitutional spirit and democratic values. The US ambassador also noted the pride of seeing US-made aircraft such as C-130J transport planes and Apache helicopters featured in the aerial display, symbolizing the defence partnership between the two nations.

Strategic Partnership — Beyond Politics

While trade and tariff issues have strained aspects of the bilateral relationship, the broader India-US partnership continues to be shaped by cooperation on defence, technology, economic interests, and regional security. The Republic Day greetings from Trump and senior US officials reflect this larger strategic picture, where shared democratic principles and geopolitical objectives drive ongoing engagement.

Conclusion — A Message of Unity

President Trump’s Republic Day message highlights that, despite intermittent policy differences, the US and India remain committed to a longstanding partnership rooted in democratic values and mutual respect. As the two countries navigate complex global challenges, such warm diplomatic gestures serve to reaffirm the importance of maintaining robust ties across political transitions and policy debates.