US-India Ties ‘Stronger Than Ever’: Marco Rubio Extends Independence Day Greetings To India

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended warm greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day, describing the friendship between the two nations as "stronger than ever." In a statement, Rubio praised the growing cooperation between the US and India across various strategic and economic areas. The strengthening relationship, according to Rubio, is partly due to the personal ties between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

At a Quad Foreign Ministerial Meeting, Rubio met with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to review the India-US strategic partnership, focusing on defense, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation, and commerce. Rubio highlighted the collaborative efforts of both countries in enhancing security, strength, and prosperity for each other, as well as for the wider Indian Ocean region.

Rubio also emphasized the enduring people-to-people relationship between India and the US, stating that the friendship between the two populations serves as the foundation for a partnership driven by innovation, resilience, and future growth. In India, Independence Day celebrations took place at the Indian High Commission in Canberra, where the national flag was raised as part of the 'Suryapath Tiranga' initiative. The campaign aims to carry the Indian Tricolour around the world, sunrise to sunrise.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. This year's event marked 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and highlighted the contributions of young Indians to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Modi received a tri-services Guard of Honour and addressed the nation from the Red Fort, delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech.