Predicting a bright future for the US-India strategic relationship, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the two countries have a deep bond, based on their shared commitment to democracy, freedom and human dignity.
Greeting the people of India ahead of the country’s Independence Day, Blinken said: “On this important day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of the US-India relationship.”
India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on Thursday.
“Our comprehensive global and strategic partnership is grounded in the deep ties between our people, our economies, and built on the foundation of our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity,” Blinken said in a statement.
US-India cooperation is growing rapidly as the two countries continue to work together to advance our shared vision of a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, he said on Wednesday.
The US, India and several other world powers are discussing the need to ensure a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region against the backdrop of China’s growing military assertiveness in the resource-rich region.
The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographical region that includes the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, while Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam claim parts of it.
Blinken noted that from climate and clean energy to defense and space technologies, US-India bilateral cooperation is broader and stronger than ever.
He said, “I extend my warmest Independence Day greetings to all those celebrating Independence Day today in India, the United States of America and through the Indian diaspora around the world.”