US lawmakers greet India on 70th Independence Day

On the occasion of India's 70th Independence Day, top American lawmakers have said India has now solidified its role as a regional and global power.

"This Independence Day let us celebrate not only India's rich cultural heritage but its bright future and the continuing strength of US-India relations," said Democratic Senator Robert Menendez from New Jersey.

"let us recognise that India, home to one of the world's most diverse and populous democracies, has seen rapid economic growth in the last twenty years and has solidified its role as a regional and global power," Menendez said.

"Today, one of the US's great allies, India, celebrates 70 years of independence," tweeted Congressman Gregory Meeks.

"The US celebrates with them!" he said.

"Happy Indian Independence Day to the largest democracy on earth! US-India ties must remain strong to protect our homeland and grow our economy," tweeted Senator Mark Kirk from Illinois.

Congresswoman Grace Ming from New York also tweeted to greet India, Pakistan and South Korea on the occasion of their Independence Day.

In a statement, Congressman Frank Pallone congratulated the people of India on this occasion.

"India is a dynamic and important US ally, an influential leader on the international stage, and an important player in the world economy," he said.

"As a representative of one of the largest Indian-American constituencies in the US, and co-founder and former chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Issues, I strongly support strengthening the US-India partnership. I look forward to our continued work together on global strategic, economic, and environmental issues," Pallone said.

Earlier this year, Pallone introduced a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that India should have a permanent seat on the United Nation's Security Council.

The resolution would put the US House of Representatives officially on record in support of India's bid.

Democratic Congressman from California Xavier Becerra tweeted a picture of his along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter visited US this Summer to wish people of India happy Independence Day.

Meanwhile, a large number of Indian-Americans attended the Independence Day celebrations at the residence of Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh.

The tri-colour was also unfurled at various diplomatic missions in the US in Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco and the United Nations.