Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated US President Donald Trump and the people of the United States on the country's 250th Independence Day, describing the India-US relationship as a force for global good rooted in shared democratic values.
"On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Trump and the people of the United States on the historic 250th anniversary of your Independence," PM Modi said in a message.
The Prime Minister said India and the United States shared more than a strategic partnership, adding that the two countries were united by their commitment to democracy, the rule of law and the limitless potential of their people.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral ties, PM Modi said he hoped the next 250 years would bring greater prosperity, peace and progress for the United States while taking the India-US partnership to new heights.
PM Modi's message comes weeks after he and Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, their first face-to-face meeting since February 2025.
During the meeting in the French commune of Evian-les-Bains, Trump described his conversation with PM Modi as "very good" and signalled continued strategic cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
The meeting assumed significance as it came amid efforts by both countries to reset ties strained by tariff disputes, disagreements over Trump's claims of mediating the India-Pakistan conflict, tighter US immigration measures affecting Indians, and the deaths of three Indian sailors in American military strikes involving commercial vessels near Oman.
"India and the US have a great relationship. We cannot be closer. Both he and I, and our nations. It really starts with the two of us. We cannot be any closer," Trump had said after the meeting.
While differences persist on several issues, including US tariffs on Indian goods, the meeting signalled a shared desire to stabilise ties and deepen cooperation across key strategic and economic sectors.
Meanwhile, Trump is set to headline celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence on Saturday, capping weeks of commemorative events that have drawn criticism from opponents, who argue that the festivities have become increasingly partisan.
Across the United States, Americans are marking the historic milestone with traditional Fourth of July celebrations, including fireworks, parades and community events. Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, is hosting free cupcakes and a six-hour concert, while New York City is featuring a parade of tall ships from around the world.
In Washington, however, Trump has placed himself at the centre of the celebrations. The US President is scheduled to address supporters at a heavily secured National Mall event that he has described as "the most spectacular Trump rally of them all", featuring military flyovers and an expanded fireworks display.
The National Mall, which typically attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors on Independence Day, has been placed under heightened security. Visitors are also expected to contend with soaring temperatures and the possibility of thunderstorms.
The anniversary celebrations have also exposed the deep political divide in the United States.
A bipartisan commission established in 2016 to oversee the country's 250th anniversary has largely been overshadowed by the Trump administration-backed Freedom 250 initiative, which has transformed large sections of the National Mall into a "Great American State Fair" featuring a Big wheel, military exhibits, defence contractors and displays by conservative organisations.
Several Democratic-led states declined to participate, while a number of scheduled performers withdrew, citing concerns over the increasingly political nature of the celebrations. Although attendance at some events has been modest, thousands turned up for Trump's opening rally on June 24.
Freedom 250 has also organised a series of events beyond Independence Day, including a faith rally featuring predominantly conservative Christian speakers, sporting events and other programmes celebrating American history.
The initiative has, however, drawn criticism from opponents, who argue that some of its exhibits and promotional material present an overly religious and sanitised account of American history while downplaying issues such as slavery and racial injustice.
