NEW DELHI (AP) — Among the bustling streets of New Delhi, where three-wheeled auto-rickshaws often serve as moving advertisements, travelers are encountering an unexpected sight: portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The image appears alongside the message “Happy Birthday America!”
Roughly 100 three-wheelers displaying prominent pictures of Trump and the Statue of Liberty have emerged throughout India’s capital over recent weeks. In a metropolis where countless rickshaw backs typically showcase advertisements for obscure medical clinics, language schools and natural health products, the American promotional material is particularly noticeable.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor launched this distinctive marketing effort last month. The campaign represents part of America’s wider initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th independence milestone, featuring festivities, cultural programs and public engagement activities across multiple nations.
When revealing the program on social media last month, the U.S. Embassy declared, “Freedom is on the move … literally!”
The embassy also encouraged Delhi residents to hail these specially marked vehicles, stating, “Catch them if you can — they’ll be popping up all over Delhi soon.”
The United States aims to repair diplomatic relationships with India following tensions created by Trump’s trade policies, which increased tariffs on various Indian products. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is anticipated to arrive in New Delhi this weekend.
However, numerous auto-rickshaw operators find the campaign meaningless.
Ganesh Kumar, whose rickshaw displays one of the Trump advertisements, explained he initially declined when campaign organizers contacted him.
“I told them I didn’t want it,” Kumar stated. However, he changed his mind after organizers presented him with an appealing offer.
“They said, ‘Please let us put (the poster). We’ll give you a packet of tea,’” he recalled.
Pradeep Kumar, another driver, mentioned he accepted the poster primarily because his auto-rickshaw’s covering was damaged and required replacement.
When questioned about his understanding of the advertisement’s message, Kumar responded: “I know he is Trump. Don’t know much other than that.”
