Republic Day 2024: US congratulates India, praises 'vibrant people-to-people' ties

India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day Friday. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken congratulated people of the country on this day and hoped to deepen the “vibrant people-to-people ties between our nations”. Blinken said President Joe Biden has termed the United States’ relationship with India “one of the most consequential in the world”. In a statement, Blinken further said the past year has been marked by important milestones in “our Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, including our cooperation throughout India’s successful G20 Presidency and at the G20 Leaders’ Summit”. “In the year ahead, we look forward to further deepening the vibrant people-to-people ties between our countries and advancing our ambitious agenda for cooperation on our most vital priorities,” Blinken further said. “On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India on India’s Republic Day. The Constitution of India continues to provide an enduring framework for the world’s largest democracy and a foundation for its global leadership… I warmly extend my best wishes to the Indian people as they celebrate this special occasion,” he added. Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution and the country’s transition to a republic on 26 January, 1950. The celebrations, on this day every year, include spectacular military and cultural pageantry. The national capital witnesses elaborate display of military might with the Indian armed forces marching along the Kartavya Path. The celebrations, inaugurated with a grand parade, are held in New Delhi from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate, and onto the historic Red Fort. The day also sees ceremonious parades taking place at the Kartavya Path, which is performed as a tribute to India, its unity in diversity, and its rich cultural heritage by the states of India by building beautiful tableaus. With inputs from agencies