Obama greets India on 60th Republic Day

WASHINGTON: Greeting people of India on the occasion of its 60th Republic Day, President Barack Obama has said India and the United States have a strong shared belief in the values of liberty, pluralism and religious tolerance.

"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, US and India have a strong shared belief in the values of liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance," Obama said while greeting on the occasion of India's Republic Day.

"This Republic Day is particularly special because it marks India's Diamond Jubilee," he said, adding that 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 said.