US salutes Indians on 72nd #IndependenceDay: "India has set example for world by supporting democracy"
Washington, August 16: India has set an example for South Asia and the world by supporting democracy, diversity and the rule of law. This was said by United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on behalf of the Trump administration on the occasion of India’s 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday.
In his message, Michael Pompeo said, “On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people and government of India on their Independence Day. Since gaining its independence 71 years ago today, India has set an example for South Asia and the world by supporting democracy, diversity, and the rule of law—values shared by the United States.”
“As members of the oldest and largest democracies, the people of the United States and India have always enjoyed strong bonds of friendship. We are grateful for the vibrant Indian-American diaspora and the growing number of young people strengthening ties between our countries as exchange students. The values shared by our people contribute to inspiring collaboration in health, energy, environment, science, and high technology that will fuel the jobs and prosperity of the future,” the US State Secretary added.
“On this Indian Independence Day, we congratulate India—a unique civilization, fellow democracy, and a friend—on taking its rightful place as a leading global power and continuing our shared efforts to sustain the rules-based order,” he concluded.
Importantly, India on Wednesday celebrated its 2nd Independence Day. After hoisting a tricolor at Red Fort, PM Modi paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs and also mentioned developments such as the success of Navika Sagar Parikrama by six young women naval officers, and the achievements of young Indian sportspersons from humble backgrounds.
He said that the Union Government had taken decisions which had been pending for long, including higher MSP for farmers, GST, and One Rank – One Pension. He said this has become possible because the Union Government has kept national interest supreme. The Prime Minister mentioned how international organizations and agencies were looking at India very differently today, as compared to 2013. He said that from a time of “policy paralysis”, India had moved to “Reform, Perform, Transform.” He said India is now a member of several important multilateral organizations, and is leading the International Solar Alliance.