In Republic Day messages, Trump hails historic bond, Xi talks of dragon-elephant tango

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping were among the global leaders who extended greetings to the Indian govt and people on Republic Day. While Trump underlined the significance of ties between the world's oldest and largest democracies, Xi said in a message to President Droupadi Murmu that India and China were "good neighbours, friends and partners" and a dragon-elephant dance was the right choice for both countries.

"On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the govt 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," said Trump, according to a post on X by the US embassy.




Secretary of State Marco Rubio, too, put out a congratulatory message, saying the two countries shared a historic bond. "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," he said.

Thrilled to see US-made aircraft in Indian skies, symbolises strength of our ties: Gor

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was looking forward to working with India to “advance our shared objectives in the year ahead”.

US ambassador Sergio Gor said he was thrilled to see US-made aircraft soaring in the Indian sky and called it a powerful symbol of the strength of the US-India strategic partnership.

In his message, Xi said that India-China relations have continued to improve and develop, aligning with the fundamental interests of both the countries and their people, and are of great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity.

Xi stressed that China has always believed that being good neighbours, friends and partners who help each other succeed, and achieving the “dragon and the elephant dancing together”, is the right choice for both China and India, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The Chinese president expressed hope that both sides will adhere to the important consensus that China and India are “partners for cooperation and opportunities for development”, strengthen strategic communication, expand exchanges and cooperation, address each other’s concerns, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-India relations.

King Charles III hailed the enduring India-UK partnership in his Republic Day message to President Murmu as members of the Indian community gathered at India House in London for a flag hoisting ceremony.

The 77-year-old monarch’s letter to the President of India, posted on social media, reflected upon the “shared values and mutual respect for the Commonwealth” as Indians around the world commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.

Charles specifically highlighted the deepening tie-ups in the field of “sustainability through clean energy initiatives, cooperation on climate finance and initiatives on clean tech and green growth”. “The Commonwealth’s rich diversity and the energy of its younger generations continue to inspire hope and progress. In these times of global uncertainty, our collective strength and unity are more vital than ever,” read the message from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
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