At a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of US independence held at the US Embassy in New Delhi, US President Donald Trump spoke virtually and expressed strong admiration for India and for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling Modi his friend and saying he is a “big, big fan.” US Ambassador Sergio Gor and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the event in person.
Trump told those gathered that India could “count on me 100 percent,” noting the strength of the US economy and his support for expanding ties. He also praised Rubio, calling him among the greatest Secretaries of State in US history.
The embassy event blended diplomatic remarks and cultural performances. Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman delivered a standout moment with a stirring rendition of his anthem “Jai Ho.” India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was also present.
Ambassador Gor used the occasion to highlight what he described as a new era in US-India relations. He recalled the close personal rapport between Trump and Modi, saying that the president frequently asks after his Indian counterpart, and stressed that “America first does not mean America alone,” framing the partnership as one that creates win-win opportunities for both countries.
Gor noted that the US Embassy in New Delhi led the world in bringing new investment into the United States last year, citing USD 20.5 billion of new investments as evidence of growing commercial diplomacy. He said an interim trade framework announced since his arrival in India is expected to be signed in the coming weeks and pointed to India’s invitation to and participation in Pax Silica as part of widening cooperation.
The event comes during Secretary Rubio’s multi-day visit to India, which includes participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. The Quad meeting, bringing together officials from India, the United States, Australia and Japan, is scheduled for May 26 under the chairmanship of EAM Jaishankar and is expected to address regional security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and tensions in West Asia.
Organizers said the celebration was intended both to commemorate the July 4, 1776 independence milestone and to showcase the momentum in the US-India partnership, emphasizing shared economic and strategic interests.
