'Warmest congratulations': World leaders wish India 80th Independence Day

World leaders and institutions across the globe extended warm congratulations to India on Saturday as the nation celebrated its 80th Independence Day. Israel's President Isaac Herzog congratulated President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian people, expressing hopes for continued strengthening of the friendship between the two nations.

The congratulatory messages came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Modi discussed the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership during a recent phone call.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the "stronger than ever" relationship between the United States and India, praising the personal connection between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. He mentioned cooperation in defense, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space, and commerce, stating that their collaboration benefits both nations and the Indian Ocean region.

Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam congratulated India on the joyous occasion and emphasized the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. He praised close people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation in various sectors, including skills development, digitalization, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah expressed his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India, and the people of India. Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu also joined the global chorus of greetings, acknowledging the aspirations, resilience, and enduring spirit of India. He reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to advancing the close partnership between the two countries.

Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sent warm felicitations to President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and the people of India, describing India's journey since 1947 as an inspiration. Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its greetings, wishing India continued progress, unity, and prosperity. Australia's High Commissioner to India Philip Green shared images of the Australian High Commission illuminated in the colors of the Indian tricolor and wished Indians around the globe a Happy Independence Day.