US Welcomes India’s Republic Day, Rubio Points to ‘Meaningful Progress’

On celebrations of India’s Republic Day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wished the country well and discussed a variety of topics, including Quad cooperation.

In his speech, he mentioned the’real outcomes’ that both countries can achieve through ‘tight cooperation’ in military, energy, key minerals, and emerging technologies. His message comes at a time when the India-US trade pact is in uncertainty, with New Delhi asserting unequivocally that it will not compromise on domestic interests and Washington stating that it would prefer a deal based on the bigger idea of “America First.”

Rubio added in his statement, “The United States and India have a long history. From our strong cooperation in military, energy, vital minerals, and emerging technologies to our multifaceted involvement through the Quad, the US-India relationship yields tangible outcomes for our two countries and the Indo-Pacific region.” He went on to say that he is excited to collaborate with the two countries to achieve common goals. “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 on Monday, January 26 .

India is commemorating its 77th Republic Day, which celebrates 76 years of the Constitution. President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the big festivities at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This year’s R-Day theme is to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent an emotional greeting to the nation, hoping that this day will become a symbol of India’s honour, pride, and grandeur. He also anticipated that the day would instill new energy and passion in the lives of citizens.

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What is Rubio referring to?

Though Rubio did not mention or allude to the ‘trade deal’, weeks before the announcement, Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a high-level call to discuss trade discussions and economic connections. Sergio Gor, the US ambassador to India, recently declared that both countries are “actively engaged in firming up a trade deal,” despite Trump’s threat to impose more taxes on India for trading with Iran.

In his address, Rubio identified ‘critical minerals and emerging technology’ as essential industries. India has also been invited to join Pax Silica, a US-led program aimed at securing semiconductor supply chains.The statement also comes after India passed the Nuclear Energy Bill, which Rubio particularly lauded as a driver for deeper cooperation and prospects for American companies.