Global Leaders Greet India On 80th Independence Day, Hail Strong Bilateral Friendships

India's 80th Independence Day on Saturday drew greetings from leaders and governments around the world, with several countries highlighting their longstanding relationships and partnerships with New Delhi. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Nepal Prime Minister Balendra "Balen" Shah were among the prominent leaders who extended wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. The messages reflected the breadth of India's diplomatic engagement and the importance attached to its relationships with countries across different regions.

Leaders used the occasion to underline bilateral ties, shared interests and cooperation with India, while conveying their greetings as the country marked the anniversary of its independence. The United States was among the countries extending its wishes to India, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighting the relationship between Washington and New Delhi. India and the US have expanded cooperation across areas including trade, defence, technology, education and strategic affairs in recent years, with both sides describing the partnership as important to stability and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific.

Israel also conveyed its Independence Day greetings, with President Isaac Herzog among the leaders acknowledging the occasion. India and Israel have developed close cooperation in areas including defence, agriculture, technology and innovation. The two countries have maintained strong diplomatic engagement, with their relationship expanding across multiple sectors over the years. Nepal Prime Minister Balendra "Balen" Shah also extended greetings to India. India and Nepal share longstanding social, cultural and economic ties as neighbouring countries, with extensive people-to-people connections.

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Cooperation between the two countries includes areas such as trade, connectivity, energy, infrastructure and development, making the bilateral relationship significant for both sides. The international greetings came as India marked its 80th Independence Day with celebrations across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where he hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation. This year's celebrations also featured the full rendering of the National Song "Vande Mataram" at the Red Fort for the first time since Independence, followed by the National Anthem.

The messages from foreign leaders added an international dimension to India's national celebrations, with governments recognising the country's growing global role and its bilateral partnerships. The greetings from the US, Israel, Nepal and other countries underscored the continued diplomatic engagement between India and the international community as New Delhi marks eight decades of independence and looks towards its future development goals.

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