NEW DELHI — The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi last month unveiled an advertising campaign placing large images of President Donald Trump and the Statue of Liberty on roughly 100 auto-rickshaws across the Indian capital to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. The campaign was launched by Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador to India.

The auto-rickshaws carry the slogan "Happy Birthday America!" alongside the images. The initiative forms part of a broader U.S. effort to commemorate the anniversary with celebrations, cultural events and public outreach campaigns in several countries.

Announcing the rollout on social media, the embassy posted, "Freedom is on the move — literally!" In a separate message, the embassy urged residents to spot the vehicles on city streets, saying, "Catch them if you can — they'll be popping up all over Delhi soon."

Reactions among the drivers tasked with carrying the posters have varied. Ganesh Kumar, an auto-rickshaw driver, initially declined when organizers approached him about displaying the Trump image on his vehicle. "I told them I didn't want it," Kumar said. Organizers then offered him a packet of tea in exchange for carrying the poster.

Another driver, Pradeep Kumar, agreed to take the poster because the canopy of his auto-rickshaw was torn and needed covering. "I know he is Trump. Don't know much other than that," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit New Delhi this weekend. U.S.-India relations have faced difficulties after Trump's tariff policies raised duties on several Indian exports.