A US Independence Day reception at the American Embassy in New Delhi took an unexpected turn when US President Donald Trump joined the gathering through a phone call. The event, marking 250 years of American independence, was attended by diplomats, officials and business leaders.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor placed the call on speaker, allowing guests to hear Trump’s remarks live. The President’s message focused on India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing strong applause from the audience.
“I love India and Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said during the call.
He added, “India can count on me 100%. If they ever need help, they know where to call. They call right here.”
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Trump praises India, Modi and US leadership
During the interaction, Trump spoke about the United States’ economic performance while reiterating his admiration for Modi.
“We’re doing well. We’re setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market and anything India wants to get. I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi,” he said.
(Representational Image) Trump backs India with “100%” remark during Delhi celebration /ANI Trump also praised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was present at the event alongside India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
“Marco is the greatest. He’s going down as the greatest Secretary of State in the history of the US,” Trump said, before asking the envoy to pass on his greetings. “Say hello to Prime Minister Modi and let him know I’m a big fan.”
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Envoy highlights personal bond shaping ties
Speaking after the call, Ambassador Gor underlined the personal rapport between the two leaders.
“Every time the President (Trump) and I speak, one of the first questions the President will ask is, how is my friend, the Prime Minister (Modi), doing? And that is something that is important to convey because this relationship is not new,” he said.
Gor noted that the partnership between India and the US continues to expand across sectors, driven by regular engagement at the highest levels.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during the dedication ceremony of the new Support Annex Building /ANI “This open path diplomacy is driven by the personal bond between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. I hear about it every time the President and I speak. One of the first questions the President will ask is, ‘How is my friend the Prime Minister doing?’ And that is something that is important to convey. Because this relationship is not new. It’s not a year old,” he said.
Interim trade deal likely soon
The envoy also pointed to progress on economic cooperation, suggesting that an interim trade agreement could be finalised shortly.
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“As you know, we have a direct line to everybody in administration, but especially to our President that is the partnership that opens Market drives innovation and create high-quality jobs for both Americans and Indians. America first does not mean America alone and every week we identify opportunities that are win-win situations for both of our nations,” he added.
“From George Washington to President Donald Trump, the United States remains a shining beacon for the world. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi are leaders who have championed a new vision for the partnership between our two nations,” Gor said.
He further added, “This bond is the foundation of a new era. One where we’re actively delivering on the promise of our cooperation and building a future of tangible achievements. Since I arrived in New Delhi just five months ago, we have announced an interim trade deal that hopefully, in the next few weeks will get signed.”
