Washington, Jan 26 (IANS) President Barack Obama has in a message of greetings on India's 61st Republic day Tuesday hailed the growing partnership between the US and India and the friendship between the two peoples.

"And as our peoples continue to build upon that friendship, let our governments continue to work together to advance peace, prosperity, and stability around the globe," he said in a message issued by the White House.

"I send my warmest wishes on behalf of the American people to the people of India and to those here in America and around the world who are celebrating Republic Day," Obama said.

The Indian American community across the US celebrated the Republic Day with enthusiasm, Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar in Washington unfurling the national flag at a colourful function at the Indian embassy.

President Pratibha Patil's message was read out to the assembled members of gthe Indian community.

The function concluded with children from Gandharva USA, a local music school, singing "Vande Mataram" (I pay homage to the mother) in Sanskrit and patriotic songs in Hindi, Gujarati, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese, Khasi and Urdu.

About 200 members of the community joined the celebrations. Similar flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at the Indian consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston.