New Delhi Can Count On Washington 100 Percent: Trump

By Amandeep Singh

New Delhi, May 24: “I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi.”

US President Donald Trump delivered a high-voltage message of friendship towards India on Sunday, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “great friend” and asserting that New Delhi could rely on Washington “100 per cent”, during celebrations marking 250 years of American independence at Bharat Mandapam.

Though not physically present at the venue, Trump addressed the audience through a live phone call facilitated by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, turning what was expected to be a formal diplomatic evening into a politically charged moment of warmth and symbolism.

“India can count on me and the United States completely,” Trump said, while describing Modi as “great” and “a friend”. He added that ties between the two countries had reached unprecedented closeness.

The event brought together senior leaders from both nations, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid growing strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington on trade, technology, defence and global supply chains.

Trump also showered praise on Rubio, calling him “the greatest secretary of state in American history”, while boasting about the US economy and stock market performance during his remarks.

In a speech focused on the evolving India-US partnership, Jaishankar said the relationship had moved beyond the “hesitations of history” and was now driven by shared democratic values, converging interests and economic cooperation.

He pointed to common commitments such as free speech, accountable governance and open societies, adding that both countries were increasingly working together to build resilient supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities in the global economy.

Jaishankar also highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening political understanding between the two democracies and said the current global transition made the India-US partnership even more consequential.

The diplomatic messaging was matched by a strong cultural showcase through the evening. Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman emerged as the star attraction with performances of patriotic and cinematic classics, including Maa Tujhe Salaam and Dil Se Re.

The celebrations ended on a lighter note with an appearance by iconic American disco group Village People, blending diplomacy, politics and pop culture into a single evening aimed at showcasing the growing closeness between India and the United States.

Amidst Rubio's visit to India, Trump's appreciation for Prime Minister Modi, The celebrations of America turning 250, A rather light and blending gesture caught people's attention when Delhi traffic saw auto-rickshaws with Trump's posters on them with "Happy Birthday America!", "250 Years Old" written on the back with American flag and Trump's photo along with "Freedom 250" written on the side with American flag. This was done by U.S Embassy in New Delhi as a move to promote America's Independence Day celebrations.