New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm greetings to the people of India on the country’s 80th Independence Day, saying the relationship between India and the United States continues to grow and is “stronger than ever”. His message came as India celebrated its national day on Saturday, August 15.
In a statement issued on Friday in the US, Rubio highlighted the growing partnership between Washington and New Delhi and credited the personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for contributing to closer ties.
Rubio congratulates India on Independence Day
“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day,” Rubio said in his message.
The US Secretary of State said the relationship between the two countries was continuing to expand and described it as stronger than ever.
His remarks come as India marks eight decades since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. The 80th Independence Day celebrations are being held across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Trump-Modi relationship highlighted
Rubio specifically referred to the relationship between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi while discussing the strengthening of India-US ties.
According to the message, the personal relationship between the two leaders has contributed to the continued growth of bilateral relations.
The reference comes at a particularly significant time for the two countries, with India and the US engaged in discussions and cooperation across several strategic areas.
Defence, energy and AI among key areas
Rubio highlighted several sectors in which India and the US are working together.
These include:
- Defence
- Energy security
- Critical minerals
- Artificial intelligence
- Space cooperation
- Commerce
The US Secretary of State said cooperation in these areas was helping make the two countries and the wider Indian Ocean region safer, stronger and more prosperous.
The emphasis on critical minerals, AI and space also reflects the increasingly broad nature of the India-US strategic partnership, which now extends well beyond traditional defence and diplomatic engagement.
People-to-people ties form foundation
Rubio also referred to the close links between the people of India and the United States.
He said the deep ties of friendship and family between the two peoples form the foundation of a partnership that is innovative, resilient and forward-looking.
The Indian diaspora in the US is a major component of the relationship between the two countries, with Indian-origin Americans playing prominent roles across technology, business, academia, medicine and public life.
US looks towards deeper partnership
Rubio’s message also looked ahead to the future of bilateral relations.
He said the United States was looking forward to the future that the two countries would build together.
The statement signals Washington’s continued interest in deepening cooperation with New Delhi despite differences that have emerged between the two countries on issues including trade and tariffs.
India celebrates its 80th Independence Day
India’s Independence Day celebrations this year carry additional significance as the country marks 80 years of independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the celebrations at the Red Fort and delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the historic ramparts.
This year’s celebrations also highlight 150 years of Vande Mataram. For the first time, the national song is being rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, according to the official programme. (DD India)
The national ceremony includes the hoisting of the Tricolour, a 21-gun salute and a Guard of Honour comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. (DD India)
India-US partnership has expanded
The relationship between India and the US has expanded significantly over the past few decades.
Defence cooperation has become one of its key pillars, while collaboration in technology, space, energy and trade has increasingly gained importance.
Both countries have also worked together on emerging technologies and strategic supply chains, particularly as Washington and New Delhi seek to strengthen cooperation in areas considered critical to economic and national security.
Rubio’s latest message reflects this broader strategic relationship rather than limiting the partnership to a single area.
A message amid evolving trade ties
The Independence Day greeting also comes amid an evolving India-US trade relationship.
Washington and New Delhi have been negotiating over tariffs and market access, while trade issues have increasingly featured in the wider bilateral relationship.
Against that backdrop, Rubio’s description of the relationship as “stronger than ever” highlights the US administration’s stated interest in maintaining strategic engagement with India even as economic disagreements continue to be addressed.
Strategic importance of India
India’s growing importance in the Indo-Pacific is another factor shaping the relationship.
The US views India as an important partner in maintaining regional security and strengthening economic and technological cooperation.
For New Delhi, closer engagement with Washington provides opportunities in areas ranging from defence technology and energy to space exploration and advanced technologies.
Rubio’s reference to cooperation benefiting the wider Indian Ocean region underlines the strategic dimension of the partnership.
Conclusion
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated India on its 80th Independence Day, saying the India-US relationship is growing and is “stronger than ever”. He highlighted the role of the Trump-Modi relationship and pointed to cooperation in defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space and commerce.
Rubio’s message comes as India celebrates eight decades of independence and as the two countries continue to expand their strategic partnership across multiple sectors.
While trade and other differences remain part of the bilateral agenda, Washington’s latest Independence Day message signals its continued emphasis on deeper engagement with New Delhi.