Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, has expressed optimism about the future of US-India strategic relations, emphasising the deep connection between the two nations, which is based on their mutual dedication to democracy, freedom, and human dignity.
Blinken congratulated the Indian people ahead of the country's Independence Day: "On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations." India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on Thursday.
"Our comprehensive global and strategic partnership is grounded in the deep bonds between our peoples, our economies, and built on the foundation of our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity," Blinken said in a statement.
He said on Wednesday that US-India cooperation is expanding rapidly as the two countries continue to work together to advance our shared vision of a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The need to ensure a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific has been a topic of discussion among the US, India, and several other global powers, given China's increasing military assertiveness in the resource-rich region.
The Indo-Pacific, encompassing the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea, is a biogeographic region. China asserts territorial claims over nearly all of the South China Sea, while Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam claim portions of it.
Blinken saidthat US-Indian bilateral cooperation spans a wide range of areas, including climate, clean energy, defence, and space technologies, and is stronger and more extensive than ever before.
"I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and globally through the Indian diaspora, a joyous Independence Day," he said.
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