Washington, Aug 2026 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm greetings to India and its people on the country’s 80th Independence Day, describing the bilateral relationship between Washington and New Delhi as “stronger than ever” and highlighting the personal rapport between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a statement issued by the US State Department ahead of India’s Independence Day celebrations, Rubio congratulated the Indian people and underlined the growing strategic partnership between the world’s two largest democracies.
“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day,” Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State placed the relationship between Trump and Modi at the heart of the expanding bilateral partnership, saying their personal engagement had contributed to the continued strengthening of ties between the two countries.
“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.
Rubio also outlined several key areas where cooperation between the two countries is expanding. He specifically mentioned defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and trade as important pillars of the partnership.
From defence and energy security to emerging technologies and commerce, Rubio said the collaboration was contributing not only to the prosperity of both nations but also to greater stability across the wider Indian Ocean region.
The statement reflects Washington’s growing focus on its strategic engagement with New Delhi, particularly in areas linked to regional security, technology and economic resilience. Defence cooperation has become a major component of the relationship, while energy security and critical minerals are increasingly important as both countries seek secure and diversified supply chains.
Artificial intelligence and space cooperation have also emerged as promising areas of collaboration, with both countries looking to strengthen technological capabilities and encourage innovation. Expanding commercial ties remain another important component of the broader relationship.
Rubio further highlighted the deep people-to-people connections between India and the United States, pointing to the strong family, cultural and community links between the two countries.
“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.
Concluding his message, Rubio expressed confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship and said Washington looked forward to working with New Delhi to build a stronger partnership.
“The United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together,” he said.
India became independent from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. Independence Day is marked annually across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and the Prime Minister’s address from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.
Indian diplomatic missions and Indian diaspora organisations across the world also commemorate the occasion, reflecting the enduring global presence of the Indian community and the growing importance of India-US ties on the international stage.
