‘India A Bulwark Against Authoritarianism’: American Leaders Congratulate India On 77th Republic Day

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 22:57 IST

Bill Gates said India’s 77th Republic Day marks a time to reflect on the 1950 promise to build a nation where opportunity grows, knowledge empowers, and progress benefits all.

Flag hoisting at Indian Embassy in New York on Republic Day. (Photo: X)

Top American political leaders and business executives congratulated India on its 77th Republic Day on Monday. They described India as a “critical bulwark" against global authoritarianism and an “indispensable" partner to the United States.

Bill Gates on India’s innovation and promise

In a special video message released by the Indian Consulate in Seattle, Bill Gates said the 77th Republic Day is a moment to reflect on the extraordinary promise India made to itself in 1950 to build a nation where opportunity expands, knowledge empowers and progress uplifts everyone.

He said that every visit to India reminds him how this promise continues to shape the country’s ambition. He noted that Indian innovation is serving people at scale, not only in India but across the Global South, in areas such as health, agriculture, digital public infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Gates said he is very excited to attend the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi next month, where the Gates Foundation will outline its partnerships and commitment to building an inclusive AI future. He added that Indian innovators are leading the way in using AI to save and improve millions of lives, advance social good and drive economic growth.

He also said the engagement of the Indian diaspora in Seattle and across the US continues to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The Consulate General of India in Seattle shared a post on X thanking Bill Gates, chair and board member of the Gates Foundation, for his warm message congratulating India on its innovation capabilities and its contributions in delivering solutions for the Global South.

Thank You Mr. Bill Gates @BillGates, Chair and Board Member of Gates Foundation, for your warm message congratulating India on its innovation capabilities and its contributions in delivering solutions for the Global South, on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India!… pic.twitter.com/TGZvooQGOM— India In Seattle (@IndiainSeattle) January 26, 2026

Support from US lawmakers

In a message to Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan, Congressman Greg Landsman of Ohio said that as the world’s largest democracy and a close friend of the United States, he was pleased to see India succeeding both at home and internationally.

He said India is a critical bulwark against global authoritarianism and an indispensable partner to the US. He added that cooperation through platforms such as I2U2, the Quad and other partnerships is important to maintaining a rules-based international order.

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, in a video message, wished India a Happy Republic Day on behalf of the people of Washington state. She said Washington deeply appreciates the contributions of the Indian and Indian-American community to the state’s cultural, educational and economic life.

Governors highlight shared values and ties

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said India’s Republic Day is a time to recognise achievements, reflect on shared values and look to the future. He said Nebraska is proud of its partnership with India and highlighted cooperation in trade, technology, agriculture and culture. He delivered his message standing in front of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

The bust, unveiled in December 2024, is located in the State Capitol building in Nebraska. It is the first time a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed inside such premises in US Pacific Northwest states under the Indian Consulate in Seattle.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora and Indian-American community, saying their commitment to innovation, learning and community enriches everyone.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden recalled his meetings with Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta, calling them very refreshing. He said they discussed agriculture trade and tourism opportunities and expressed confidence that US-India relations will grow stronger.

States mark Republic Day of India

On the occasion, Alaska, Nebraska, South Dakota and Washington issued special executive proclamations declaring January 26, 2026, as Republic Day of India in their states. The proclamations recognised the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and relationships with India.

News world ‘India A Bulwark Against Authoritarianism’: American Leaders Congratulate India On 77th Republic Day

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