Tariffs, tensions, but a greeting: Trump’s Republic Day message to India

In his message, Trump said the United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies.

“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,” he said.

The message, shared by the US Embassy on X, was accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of Trump with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Relations between India and the US have faced headwinds following Trump’s decision to impose a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent punitive levy linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Despite several rounds of negotiations last year aimed at finalising a bilateral trade agreement, the deal has yet to be concluded.