Trump turns down India's invite for 70th Republic Day celebrations

US authorities conveyed the decision in a letter to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The US president's 'busy domestic commitments' are believed to be the reason for declining the invitation. Trump is scheduled to deliver the much anticipated State of the Union Address to the joint session of the US Congress, next year, around the same time. 

It may be noted that India had sent its Republic Day invite to the US president in April this year. US administration acknowledged the offer but informed that the final decision would be taken after the September 2+2 dialogue event.

India-US ties have been under duress in recent times owing to differences in the foreign policy front. India is determined to go forth with its purchase of S-400 armaments from Russia despite Washington’s sanctions on Russian military exports. New Delhi also intends to continue purchasing Iranian oil after November 4, the date US has set for countries to stop buying Iranian oil.

No official statement regarding Trump declining India’s invitation has been made yet.