Washington: Wishing India on its 73rd Independence Day, the United States on Thursday said New Delhi and Washington enjoy close ties of friendship which over the time have flourished into a "strategic partnership".
In a statement, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day."
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"The United States and India have enjoyed close ties of friendship since the US supported India's independence 72 years ago. Our shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and commitment to economic growth further cemented our relationship. Over the past two decades, our friendship has flourished into a strategic partnership, and we now cooperate on a range of important issues, from defence and counterterrorism to freedom of navigation and cutting-edge science, including in space," he added.
Pompeo, who visited India in June, said that India and the United States are "great democracies", "global powers" and "good friends".
"As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful Independence Day," Pompeo stated.
