‘Warmest congratulations’: World leaders wish India 80th Independence Day, hail growing ties
NEW DELHI: From Washington and Jerusalem to Singapore and Kathmandu, leaders and institutions across the world extended greetings to India on Saturday as the country marked its 80th Independence Day, highlighting the strength of bilateral ties and the breadth of cooperation with New Delhi.
Israel
Israel’s president Isaac Herzog congratulated President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.“On behalf of the State of Israel, I warmly congratulate President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the wonderful people of India on your 80th Independence Day! May we continue to strengthen the beautiful friendship between Israel and India,” Herzog wrote on X. He also posted his wishes in Hindi.The message came after Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and discussed the situation in West Asia during a recent phone call.
United States
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the India-US relationship continues to grow and is “stronger than ever”.“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day. Thanks to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S.-India relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever,” Rubio said.He highlighted cooperation in defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce.“From defence and energy security to critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation, and commerce, our collaboration is making both of our nations, and the broader Indian Ocean region, safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Rubio said. He added: “The United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together.”
Singapore
Singapore president Tharman Shanmugaratnam congratulated India on the “joyous occasion” and underscored the countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.“On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of India on the joyous occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day,” Tharman wrote in a letter addressed to President Murmu.He also pointed to close people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation in skills development, digitalisation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
Nepal
Nepal prime minister Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah extended greetings and best wishes to PM Modi, the Government of India and the people of India.“On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM Narendra Modi and the friendly people and Government of India,” the Office of the Prime Minister of Nepal said in a post on X.
Maldives
Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu also joined the global chorus of greetings, extending his “warmest greetings” to the President and PM Modi on the country’s 80th Independence Day. Muizzu said eight decades of independence reflected India’s “aspirations, resilience and enduring spirit” and reaffirmed Male’s commitment to advancing the close partnership between the two countries, built on “mutual respect, shared prosperity and enduring friendship”.Additionally, the former president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also greeted India, writing, “Warm felicitations to President Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, and our dear friends, the people of India, on the occasion of India’s Independence Day.” He described India’s journey since 1947 as an inspiration and said, “May the close ties of cooperation and friendship that exist between Maldives-India grow ever stronger.”
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Latvia
Latvia’s ministry of foreign affairs conveyed its greetings, saying: “Happy Independence Day to India from Latvia! Wishing India continued progress, unity, and prosperity.”
Australia
Australia’s high commissioner to India Philip Green joined the celebrations, sharing visuals of the Australian High Commission illuminated in the colours of the Indian Tricolour.“The High Commission is glowing in saffron, white & green, with our team proudly dressing in the colours of the Indian tricolour,” Green said. “From all of us, a very Happy Independence Day to Indians across the globe,” he added.
Ireland
The Irish embassy in India also extended greetings, saying, “Happy 80th Independence Day, India! Warm wishes from the Embassy & CG Mumbai to Indians everywhere.”
