South Dakota [US], January 26 (ANI): US South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden on Monday extended his greetings to India on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. The US Governor said he is confident that the United States and India will continue to build an 'even stronger relationship' in the coming years.

The US Governor also officially proclaimed the day of 'January 26, 2026' as the 'Republic Day of India.'

In a video message to the Consulate General of India in Seattle, the Governor described his two meetings with Prakash Gupta (Consulate General of India in Seattle) as 'refreshing' and said he is 'confident' that both countries will continue to build an even 'stronger relationship.'

Speaking in a video, he said, 'Congratulations on 77th years of the Republic of India. I met with Consul General Gupta twice last year, and both meetings were very refreshing.'

He added, 'I am confident that the United States and India will continue building an even stronger relationship.'

Several other US Governors, like those from Washington and Alaska, also officially proclaimed the day of 'January 26, 2026' as the 'Republic Day of India.'

The Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, while proclaiming today as the 'Republic Day of India', encouraged 'all the residents to join in recognising the achievements of the Indian and Indian American communities and the enduring bonds of friendship between Washington and the Republic of India.'

The Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, while proclaiming today as the 'Republic Day of India', also encouraged all the Alaskans to 'join in recognising the contributions of the Indian community and the enduring bonds between Alaska and India.'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended his greetings to India on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday.

In a press statement, he said that the United States and India share 'a historic bond' and that the two countries are working closely on defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies.

In an official press statement, he said there is a 'multi-layer' engagement between the two countries through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and claimed that the India-US relationship has delivered real results for both countries and for the Indo-Pacific region.

The US Secretary of State said that he is looking forward to 'working together' to advance on the 'shared objectives' in the year ahead. (ANI)