Global leaders extend warm wishes to India on 79th Independence day, reaffirm strong bilateral ties

PTC Web Desk: On Friday, world leaders and neighbouring nations joined in congratulating India on its 79th Independence Day, expressing admiration for the country’s achievements and pledging to strengthen bilateral relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauded India’s “well-deserved authority” in global affairs. Emphasising the enduring relationship between the two nations, he reiterated Moscow’s commitment to enhancing the “special privileged strategic partnership” with India. “We value our relations of special privileged strategic partnership with India,” Putin said, adding that he was confident the two nations would continue to expand constructive cooperation in multiple sectors.

French President Emmanuel Macron, recalling Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in February, posted on social media: “Warm congratulations to the people of India on your 79th Independence Day! I fondly recall welcoming my friend Narendra Modi to France, and look forward to deepening our strategic partnership towards 2047 and beyond.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also conveyed greetings to his “dear friend” Narendra Modi and the Indian people. “Israel and India are two proud democracies, bound by history, innovation, and friendship. Our nations have achieved much together and the best chapters of our partnership still lie ahead,” his office stated on social media.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on behalf of the United States, extended “warm wishes” to India. He described the India-US relationship as “historic, consequential and far-reaching” and emphasised that the two countries, “working together,” would address contemporary global challenges and ensure a brighter future for both nations.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, in his Independence Day greeting to President Murmu, called India a “trusted development partner” of the Maldives. He praised the increase in high-level exchanges and people-to-people contacts, reflecting the strong cooperation between the two countries.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong extended her wishes to both the people of India and Indian-Australian communities. She highlighted that, as the two nations celebrate five years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the bilateral relationship is “stronger and more consequential than ever.”

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed “warm greetings” to India, reaffirming its commitment to deepening a “comprehensive partnership” for mutual benefit and for promoting global peace, security, and prosperity.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry extended “warm congratulations” and underlined Tehran’s determination to advance bilateral cooperation in all mutually beneficial areas, based on mutual respect and common interests.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath sent his “warmest felicitations” to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian people, hoping the enduring friendship between the two nations would continue to promote peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also marked the occasion by congratulating India and noting that his recent meeting with Indian officials highlighted the strength of their ties. He also acknowledged the milestone of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba extended her wishes to S. Jaishankar, reaffirming that Nepal deeply values its longstanding partnership with India. She wished India continued prosperity, unity, and harmony, describing the country as a “shining example of democracy” that inspires nations worldwide.