Washington DC: Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, emphasized the pivotal role of Indian Americans as a “living bridge,” between India and the United States during the 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 24, 2025, at The Willard InterContinental.
Highlighting two decades of strengthening bilateral ties, Ambassador Kwatra lauded the community for its integration into American society and contributions across industries, including technology, business, academia, healthcare, and hospitality.

“The Indian American community serves as a vibrant and living bridge between our two great nations,” he said, noting their role in shaping and strengthening the partnership between India and the United States.
He added, “In times to come, I’m sure all of you would continue to put as you have done since your arrival in the US, your best foot forward in shaping this relationship and strengthening it even further.”

Reflecting on India’s Republic Day, Kwatra reminded attendees of the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, which set the nation on a path of equality, freedom, and progress. “The constitution has served as our guiding light,” he stated, underscoring India’s evolution into a civilizational state and the world’s largest democracy.
Addressing the gathering of over 400 people, Ambassador Kwatra called for a renewed commitment to the India-US relationship, emphasizing shared efforts to address global challenges, promote economic prosperity, and build a secure, inclusive future. “We have much to contribute to the march of global progress, and in this endeavor, there is no better partner for us than the oldest democracy in the world, the United States of America,” he expressed.

Kwatra highlighted the consistent upward trajectory of India-US relations over the past 20 years, spanning diverse areas of collaboration. He expressed optimism about future progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. He noted that one of President Trump’s first calls after his recent victory was to PM Modi, reflecting the significance of their partnership.
He also acknowledged India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s participation in President Trump’s inaugural ceremony as Modi’s special envoy, alongside Quad counterparts from Australia and Japan. The new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, hosted the first Quad foreign ministers meeting on his inaugural day in office, signaling the grouping’s importance, he added.

“Quad, in our view, is a key vehicle to develop, share and execute our shared understanding and cooperation, and we are confident will only grow in times to come,” he shared highlighting the alignment of strategic interests among Quad countries in the plurilateral sphere.
He underscored the “mutual trust” and “convergence of interests” between India and the United States, which he described as central to their collaboration. “We strongly believe that deeper cooperation between India and United States is beneficial to both our countries, our national interest and the benefits it may also spill over to the larger regional and global good,” he added.
Ambassador Kwatra expressed gratitude to members of the U.S. administration, Congress, think tanks, academia, media, and the private sector for their efforts in strengthening the bilateral foundation. “Your goodwill towards India and your efforts towards building this relationship are truly valued,” he said.

He emphasized that there is a “consensus,” that the India-US relationship “delivers and going forward.” Looking ahead, he noted the shared vision of a partnership that is “bolder, bigger, greater in scope, and larger in imagination,” with expanded collaboration in commerce, trade, technology, defense, space, education, and tourism.
At the event, Pragnya Thamire from Kalanidhi dance group; Ashwin Hazarika, a high school senior; and Kamalakiran Vinjamuri, Lassya Siddhaye, Abhinav Seetharaman, and Sowmiya Narayanan from Carnatic Music – Ragas featured cultural performances.