US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday congratulated India on its Independence Day, saying the relationship between the two countries was “stronger than ever” because of the personal bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Secretary of State identified defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce as major areas of bilateral engagement. His remarks presented the partnership as one that extends beyond bilateral interests. They also underlined the importance Washington places on cooperation with New Delhi in the Indian Ocean region.
“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 issued by the State Department on the eve of India’s celebrations. “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. “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,” Rubio said. “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 United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together,” Rubio said.
