E-Paper
Stronger ties, beautiful friendship: US, Israel, Nepal, others wish India on 80th Independence Day
US secretary of state Marco Rubio, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Nepal PM Balendra 'Balen' Shah were among the leaders who extended greetings to India.
As India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, leaders from across the world extended their wishes and highlighted their ties with India through the years.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Nepal Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah were among the leaders who extended greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, highlighting the strong and enduring partnerships shared by their nations with India. Track live updates on India's Independence Day celebrations
Here is a look at how world leaders greeted India on its 80th Independence Day:
‘India-US ties stronger than ever’
Deep Dive
Greeting the people of India, Rubio asserted that the bilateral ties were "stronger than ever" due to the personal relationship between President Donald Trump and PM Modi.
Rubio said the deep ties of friendship and family between the people of the two countries form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient and forward-looking.
"On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day," Rubio said in a statement.
"Thanks to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the US-India relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever," Rubio said.
‘The beautiful friendship between India and Israel’
Extending warm wishes to India, Israel's President Herzog mentioned the close friendship between the two countries.
"On behalf of the State of Israel, I warmly congratulate President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the wonderful people of India on your 80th Independence Day!" Herzog said in a post on X.
"May we continue to strengthen the beautiful friendship between Israel and India," he added.
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, the greetings also underscore the growing importance of partnerships based on friendship, cooperation, shared aspirations and people-to-people connections.
Nepal PM highlights historic ties, people-to-people relations
Nepal's Balen Shah also extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM Modi, the Government of India and the people of India on the Independence Day.
"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.
Also read: PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams in Independence Day speech
It expressed hope that the deep historical ties, close people-to-people relations and cooperation between Nepal and India would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.
"May the deep historical ties, close people-to-people relations and cooperation between Nepal and India continue to strengthen in the years ahead," the post added.
Singapore President congratulates India
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam congratulated India on the "joyous occasion" of its 80th Independence Day as he underscored the robust and forward-looking Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Singapore and India.
"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 in a letter to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, news agency ANI reported.
He noted that the bilateral relationship is underpinned by close people-to-people ties and has expanded across several emerging areas, including skills development, digitalisation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
"Our cooperation is multifaceted, expanding into new areas including skills development, digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing," his letter read.
Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also conveyed its greetings to India on the occasion. "Happy Independence Day to India from Latvia! Wishing India continued progress, unity, and prosperity," the ministry said in a post on X.
International diplomatic missions, ambassadors, and partner nations based in New Delhi also shared heartfelt greetings, honouring India's democratic journey, civilizational heritage, and robust bilateral partnerships.
