Washington, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Independence Day greetings to the people of India, describing the India-US relationship as “stronger than ever” and highlighting the personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a statement issued by the US State Department on the eve of India’s Independence Day celebrations, Rubio said the partnership between the two countries continued to expand across several strategic and economic areas.
“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day,” Rubio said.
He attributed the continued growth in bilateral ties in part to the relationship between Trump and Modi.
“Thanks to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the US-India relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever,” he said.
Rubio identified defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce as key areas of engagement between Washington and New Delhi.
“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,” he said.
The statement also underscored Washington’s view of India as an important partner in the wider Indian Ocean region. Defence and security cooperation remain major components of bilateral ties, while energy security and critical minerals have gained importance amid efforts by both countries to build reliable supply chains and strengthen economic resilience.
Rubio also highlighted the people-to-people relationship between the two nations, pointing to family and community ties between Indians and Americans as a foundation of the broader partnership.
“The deep ties of friendship and family between our two peoples form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient, and forward-looking,” he said.
The US Secretary of State expressed confidence in continued cooperation between the two countries.
“The United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together,” Rubio said.
India became independent from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. Independence Day is marked across the country with the Prime Minister’s address from the Red Fort in New Delhi, flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes. Indian diplomatic missions and diaspora organisations also organise celebrations in different parts of the world.
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