Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Rubio: US-India Ties 'Stronger Than Ever' in Independence Day Greetings
Marco Rubio is an important American leader who helps manage the United States' relationships with other countries.
On Friday, he sent a friendly message to India for its Independence Day.
Independence Day is the day India became free from British rule.
India was celebrating its 80th Independence Day.
Rubio said America and India are good friends and their friendship is 'stronger than ever.'
He said the leaders of the two countries, Donald Trump and Narendra Modi, have a close personal connection.
The two countries work together on things like defense, energy, artificial intelligence, and space cooperation.
Rubio also said Indian and American families help strengthen the friendship between the two nations.
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi raised the national flag at the Red Fort and gave a speech to the nation.
Rubio ended by saying the United States looks forward to the future the two countries will build together.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm Independence Day greetings to India in a State Department statement issued on Friday.
Rubio said the US-India relationship is 'stronger than ever' thanks to the personal relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He cited defense, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation and commerce as major areas of bilateral engagement.
Rubio said the collaboration is making both nations and the broader Indian Ocean region safer, stronger, and more prosperous, with people-to-people ties forming the foundation of the partnership.
India marked its 80th Independence Day, with PM Modi hoisting the flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi and a flag-hoisting ceremony held under the 'Suryapath Tiranga' initiative at the Indian High Commission in Canberra.
- Who
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on behalf of the United States and referencing President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- Rubio issued a statement congratulating India on its Independence Day and calling the US-India relationship 'stronger than ever,' as India marked its 80th Independence Day with celebrations.
- When
- Friday, on the eve of India's Independence Day celebrations.
- Where
- Washington, D.C., via a US State Department statement; celebrations took place at the Red Fort in New Delhi and the Indian High Commission in Canberra.
- Why
- To mark India's Independence Day and underline the strength and growth of the US-India partnership.
- Occasion
- India's 80th Independence Day
- Statement issued by
- US State Department, on the eve of celebrations
- Areas of cooperation
- Defense, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space cooperation, commerce
- Key framing
- Relationship 'stronger than ever' due to the Trump-Modi personal bond
- New Delhi celebrations
- Flag hoisting at the Red Fort with a tri-services Guard of Honour and 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns
- Modi milestone
- 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort
- Canberra event
- Flag hoisting at the Indian High Commission under the 'Suryapath Tiranga' initiative
