Washington, Jan 26 (IANS) President Barack Obama has greeted the people of India on the country’s 60th Republic Day hailing “the great and growing partnership” between the two nations and the friendship between their peoples. He also lauded the contribution of over two million Indian Americans who he said “enrich every corner” of the nation.
“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,” Obama said in a message issued by the White House.

“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,” Obama said.

“As the world’s largest democracies, the United States and India have a strong shared belief in the values of liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance, he said noting, “This Republic Day is particularly special because it marks India’s Diamond Jubilee.”

“In the sixty years since the Indian Constitution was adopted, we have built a strong and vibrant partnership,” Obama said.

Recalling Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s state visit in November, he said: “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.”

Acknowledging the contributions of Indian Americans, Obama said: “Indeed, the more than two million Indian Americans in the United States enrich every corner of our great nation - leading in government, science, 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,” he said