Auto-rickshaws wrapped in images of US President Donald Trump and “Happy Birthday America” messaging were previewed in New Delhi as part of the ‘Freedom250’ campaign, with the US Embassy saying the vehicles will be rolled out across the city in the coming days.
The showcase comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between India and the United States, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump speaking on West Asia and bilateral ties, even as the US side signals that key announcements could follow soon.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, speaking to DD India, said the relationship is on an “incredible footing” and confirmed that the two leaders have been in contact multiple times this year, including conversations that were not made public. “They’ve actually spoken several more times this year… not every conversation obviously becomes public. But they did just get off the phone in the last hour,” he said.
He added that the US President has been keeping the Prime Minister updated on global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “As the war in the Middle East right now is ongoing, the President wanted to give the Prime Minister an update along with some other big-ticket items that are happening in Washington between our relationship,” Gor said.
While declining to share specifics, the envoy pointed to imminent developments. “It focused on several big-ticket items. I don’t want to get into it… But what I will share with your viewers is I just came back from Washington, where I met with the entire cabinet… so we do have some big ticket items that will be announced over the next few days, over the next few weeks,” he said.
‘India is vitally important’: Envoy underscores strategic ties
Reinforcing the importance of the partnership, Gor described India as “vitally important to us and an incredible partner,” adding that ties are currently on an “incredible footing.”
He also confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India next month, his first trip to the country, with preparations underway for a ministerial-level Quad meeting.
“We’re looking forward to hosting a ministerial-level Quad meeting in India. This will be the Secretary’s first visit to the country, and he is keen to visit not just Delhi but other places as well. India is vitally important to us and an incredible partner. The President also shares a strong relationship with your Prime Minister,” Gor told DD News.
Modi-Trump call focuses on West Asia, Hormuz security
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, said he had received a call from Trump during which both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and reiterated their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
“Received a call from my friend, President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas,” he said.
“We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” he added.
Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. We also discussed the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2026
Freedom250 campaign to roll out across cities
In a parallel public diplomacy push, Ambassador Gor also launched the ‘Freedom250’ celebrations from New Delhi, marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
Taking to X, he wrote: “Thrilled to kick-off the #Freedom250 celebrations from New Delhi, previewing vibrant autos featuring @POTUS and iconic American images that will be rolled out across the city to mark the start of this special journey. As we celebrate America’s 250th, we also honor the strength and dynamism of the U.S.-India partnership. Stay tuned as #Freedom250 travels across India.”
Thrilled to kick-off the #Freedom250 celebrations from New Delhi, previewing vibrant autos featuring @POTUS and iconic American images that will be rolled out across the city to mark the start of this special journey. As we celebrate America’s 250th, we also honor the strength… pic.twitter.com/t61CptCAB7
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) April 14, 2026
The campaign, which will see these themed auto-rickshaws move across Delhi and later other cities, is part of wider commemorations leading up to July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.