India’s friends from near and far wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Independence Day. While Russian President Vladimir Putin in his congratulatory message reiterated willingness to continue joint work to strengthen privileged strategic partnership, US President Donald Trump called up and discussed peace in Indo-Pacific areas, North Korea among other issues with Modi.
“The leaders resolved to enhance peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region by establishing a new 2-by-2 ministerial dialogue that will elevate their strategic consultations. As the leaders of two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing major economies, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi looked forward to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India this November. President Trump has asked Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump to lead the United States summit delegation,” a statement from the White House said.
It added that Trump welcomed the first ever shipment of American crude oil to India, which will occur from Texas this month, pledging that the US would continue to be a reliable, long-term supplier of energy. Modi thanked Trump for his strong leadership uniting the world against the North Korean menace.
“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate their Independence Day and continue the journey we began together 70 years ago. The United States is proud to stand with the people of India, the world’s largest democracy, in the cause for freedom and prosperity around the globe. Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious vision for the US-India relationship holds great promise for advancing our shared interests in the 21st century, and we look forward to the many years of friendship before us,” said Rex Tillerson, Secretary Department of State in a message.
In his congratulatory message to Modi, Putin spoke highly of India’s achievements in the economic, social and other areas and pointed to the country’s influence on the international stage. “Russian-Indian ties have always been based on the principles of friendship and mutual respect. We have accumulated extensive experience of fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas and coordination of efforts in tackling important regional and global issues,” Putin said.
He reiterated Russia’s willingness to continue joint work “to strengthen privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India for the benefit of the two countries’ friendly peoples and in line with ensuring international stability and security.”.
Sri lankan Prime Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani were among the world leaders who wished Modi on Twitter. “I would like to congratulate PM. @narendramodi & the great people of India on their Independence Day. Our friendship’ll always remain firm” Ghani tweeted while Srisena said: “Wishing our close friend and neighbour India a very happy #IndependenceDayIndia @narendramodi.”
Tobgay tweeted: “Wishing my Indian friends a Happy Independence Day. May the friendship between India and Bhutan continue to grow from strength to strength.”