India-USA partnership will be a defining relationship of 21st century, says Marco Rubio in his Republic Day message

In a statement, Rubio said: "On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate their nation’s Republic Day."

He said: " As they commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India, we join them in recognizing its enduring significance as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy."

Rubio said he is looking forward to deepening cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.

"We look forward to deepening our cooperation in the year ahead, including by advancing our joint efforts in space research and coordination within the Quad to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Rubio said.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday.

With a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, this year's celebrations blend India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development, and military prowess.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations this year.

Around 10,000 guests witnessed the 90-minute parade, which is in line with the government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance.

This was the first Republic Day celebrated by India since the new regime of President Donald Trump took charge on January 20.