From Washington to Kathmandu, world leaders hail India on 80th Independence Day
India on Saturday celebrated its 80th Independence Day, drawing warm congratulations from leaders and institutions across the world. From Washington and Jerusalem to Singapore and Kathmandu, heads of state and governments highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and the breadth of cooperation with New Delhi.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog congratulated President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. In a message on X, Herzog said, "On behalf of the State of Israel, I warmly congratulate President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the wonderful people of India on your 80th Independence Day! May we continue to strengthen the beautiful friendship between Israel and India." He also posted his wishes in Hindi.
The congratulatory message came after Prime Minister Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and discussed the situation in West Asia during a recent phone call.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the India-US relationship continues to grow and is "stronger than ever". "On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of India on their Independence Day. Thanks to the personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S.-India relationship continues to grow and is stronger than ever," Rubio said.
Rubio highlighted cooperation in defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce. "From defence 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," he said, adding that "the United States looks forward to the future our two countries will build together."
Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam congratulated India on the "joyous occasion" and underscored the countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a letter to President Murmu, he wrote, "On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of India on the joyous occasion of India's 80th Independence Day." He also pointed to close people-to-people ties and expanding cooperation in skills development, digitalisation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah extended greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India and the people of India. "On the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM Narendra Modi and the friendly people and Government of India," the Office of the Prime Minister of Nepal said in a post on X.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu extended his "warmest greetings" to the President and Prime Minister Modi. He said eight decades of independence reflected India's "aspirations, resilience and enduring spirit" and reaffirmed Male's commitment to advancing the close partnership between the two countries, built on "mutual respect, shared prosperity and enduring friendship". Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also greeted India, describing its journey since 1947 as an inspiration and expressing hope that the ties of cooperation and friendship between the two countries would grow ever stronger.
Latvia's foreign ministry conveyed its greetings, while leaders from Australia and Ireland also extended their wishes. The messages reflect the broad diplomatic goodwill India enjoys as it marks eight decades of independence, with partnerships spanning strategic, economic and cultural spheres.
