Watch: Marco Rubio's stunning pre-birthday bash in Delhi. Courtesy Village People

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received an early birthday surprise in New Delhi on Sunday as iconic American disco group Village People sang "Happy Birthday" for him during an event at Bharat Mandapam marking 250 years of American independence.

Rubio, who will turn 55 on May 28, was invited on stage by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor as a giant screen flashed the message: "Happy Birthday Marco Rubio".

A four-tier cake decorated with candles was brought out for the occasion, with the US Secretary of State blowing them out while Village People performed the birthday tune before seamlessly transitioning into their iconic hit, YMCA.

The performance quickly lifted the energy inside Bharat Mandapam, with the legendary disco band taking over the stage after Rubio stepped aside. YMCA, long associated with rallies and appearances of US President Donald Trump, drew loud cheers from the audience.

The celebration was part of a larger event attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Rubio and Gor, among other dignitaries, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The evening also featured a musical performance by AR Rahman, who performed some of his popular tracks, including "Dil Se", "Maa Tujhe Salaam" and "Tere Bina".

Trump also addressed the gathering remotely, with Ambassador Gor holding his phone to the microphone, so the audience could hear the US President's remarks live.

"We've never been closer to India and India can count on me 100 per cent and our country," Trump said, while also calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'great' friend. "If they ever need help, they know where to call -- they call right here," he added.

In his brief remarks, Rubio described India as a key strategic partner of the United States.

Village People, considered among the most influential disco groups globally, are known for chartbusters such as 'YMCA', "Macho Man", "In the Navy", "Go West" and "San Francisco/In Hollywood".

Rubio is on a four-day visit to India to recalibrate the bilateral relations that have faced headwinds since mid-last year.

Yesterday, Rubio held bilateral talks with Jaishankar and attended the US Embassy's Independence Day celebrations. He has also extended an invitation to PM Modi on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the US in the near future. Today, the Secretary of State will travel to Agra and Jaipur on Monday before returning to Delhi on Tuesday morning for the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

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