Greeting the people of India on its 60th Republic Day, President Barack Obama said India and the US must work together to advance peace and stability around the globe and saluted more than two million Indian-Americans who "enriched every corner" of this country.
Mr Obama, who completed one year of his Presidency just last week on January 20, also hailed the "great and growing partnership" between India and the US and acknowledged how they had 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," Mr Obama said while extending his greetings 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.
Recognising the contributions made by Indian Americans, Mr Obama said "more than two million Indian-Americans in the US enrich every corner of our great nation leading in science, government, industry and the arts."
"And as our peoples continue to build upon that friendship, let our governments continue to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and stability around the globe," the US President added.
"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," Mr Obama said.
Mr Obama had invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as his presidency's first State Guest. He hosted Mr Singh at the White House on November 24 on his first State Dinner.
