Washington, D.C., August 15 (ANI) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings to the people of India on the country’s 80th Independence Day, saying the U.S.-India relationship continues to grow and is “stronger than ever.”
In a statement issued Friday, Rubio said the relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contributed to growing ties between the two countries.
“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.
The U.S. secretary of state highlighted cooperation between the two countries in several areas, including defense, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce. He said the collaboration was making both nations, as well as the broader Indian Ocean region, “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
“From defense 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.
“The deep ties of friendship and family between our two peoples form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient, and forward-looking. The United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together,” he added.
Earlier, the national flag was hoisted at the Indian High Commission in Canberra on Saturday as part of the “Suryapath Tiranga” initiative to mark India’s 80th Independence Day. The initiative seeks to carry the Tricolor across the globe from one sunrise to the next.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi on Saturday. This year’s event will mark 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram” and highlight the role of “Yuva Shakti” in India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
For the first time, “Vande Mataram” will be rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
According to a press release, Modi will be received at the Red Fort by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth and Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He will then receive a guard of honor comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.
Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort, where he will hoist the national flag. Capt. Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist him in hoisting the Tricolor.
The flag hoisting will be synchronized with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns, the press release said.
Modi will subsequently address the nation. This will mark his 13th consecutive address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. At the conclusion of his speech, National Cadet Corps cadets and “My Bharat” volunteers will sing “Vande Mataram,” followed by the national anthem.
A total of 2,500 male and female cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with “My Bharat” volunteers, will participate in the celebrations. They will be seated on Gyanpath and form the words “Vande Mataram.” (ANI)
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