Washington, Jan 26 (IANS) US President Barack Obama, in his message to mark India’s Republic Day, has said that Indians “should know they have no better friend and partner than the people of the US”.”It is our shared values that form the bedrock of a robust relationship across (our) peoples and governments,” the president said in a statement.

“Those values and ideals provide the strength that enable us to meet any challenge, particularly from those who use violence to try to undermine our free and open societies. As the Indian people celebrate Republic Day, they should know they have no better friend and partner than the people of the US,” Obama added.

The president said his message was also for the people of Indian origin in the US and around the world.

“I send the warmest greetings of the American people to the people of India. Together, we celebrate our shared belief in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance.

“Our nations have built broad and vibrant partnerships in every field of human endeavour. Our rapidly growing and deepening friendship with India offers benefits to all the world’s citizens as our scientists solve environmental challenges together, our doctors discover new medicines, our engineers advance our societies, our entrepreneurs generate prosperity, our educators lay the foundation for our future generations, and our governments work together to advance peace, prosperity and stability around the globe,” he said.