Obama extends R-Day greetings

“I send my warmest wishes on behalf of the American people to the people of India and to those here in America and around the world who are celebrating Republic Day.
“As the world’s largest democracies, the US and India have a strong shared belief in the values of liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance,” Obama said.

“This Republic Day is particularly special because it marks India’s Diamond Jubilee,” he said. “In the 60 years since the Indian Constitution was adopted, we have built a strong and vibrant partnership.”

Obama had invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as his presidency’s first State Guest. He hosted Singh at the White House on November 24 on his first State Dinner. “I was pleased that Prime Minister Singh was the honoured guest for the first state dinner of my Presidency. It was a chance to celebrate the great and growing partnership between our two Nations, and the friendship between our peoples,” Obama added.