Marco Rubio (File phto/AP)

NEW DELHI: The United States on Monday extended congratulations to India on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, highlighting the “close cooperation” between New Delhi and Washington across key sectors.Rubio said the US looks forward to “working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead” and mentioned the Quad to assert the significance of the India-US relationship for the Indo-Pacific region.“On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on your Republic Day. The United States and India share a historic bond. From our close cooperation on defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies to our multi-layered engagement through the Quad, the US-India relationship delivers real results for our two countries and for the Indo-Pacific region.

Rubio’s statement

The national capital has been placed on high alert on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with intensified security checks underway across the Delhi-NCR region.Police personnel conducted thorough vehicle checks at Gurugram, Chilla, Tikri, Singhu, Kapashera, Badarpur, and Dhaula Kuan borders amid heightened security arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations.Meanwhile, other parts of the country donned the tricolour to mark the momentous occasion.More than 3,000 CCTV cameras fitted with advanced video analytics and Facial Recognition System (FRS) technology have been installed across the New Delhi area, including along the parade route and surrounding locations, he said.According to him, live feeds from these cameras are being monitored round the clock through over 30 control rooms staffed by nearly 150 personnel.Police personnel deployed on the ground are equipped with AI-enabled glasses integrated with FRS and video analytics.“These India-made AI glasses are linked in real time with police databases of criminals, suspects and proclaimed offenders. Any face match in a crowded area can be detected instantly, enabling swift intervention,” Mahala told news agency PTI.He added that the security grid includes multi-layered barricading, multiple levels of checking and frisking at all designated entry points, along with strict access control measures along the parade route and adjoining areas.Mobile surveillance vehicles equipped with FRS technology have been positioned at strategic locations to strengthen monitoring and ensure rapid mobility.Sniper teams have been deployed on thousands of rooftops across New Delhi, North and Central districts.The deputy commissioners of police have carried out route surveys and anti-sabotage checks, while vigilance has been stepped up in high-footfall areas such as markets, bus terminals, metro stations and railway stations across the city.