On August 15, 2025, the United States extended its congratulations to India on the occasion of the country’s 79th Independence Day, praising the depth and significance of the bilateral relationship. In an official statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the “historic relationship” between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy remains “consequential and far-reaching.”
India’s Independence Day commemorates the end of over two centuries of British colonial rule in 1947, a moment celebrated annually with national pride and patriotic fervor. This year, the milestone was marked with ceremonies, cultural events, and official addresses across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the United States, Secretary Rubio highlighted shared values and strategic priorities that bind the two nations. “Our two countries are united by our shared vision for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” he stated. He noted that the partnership extends across industries, drives innovation, advances critical and emerging technologies, and even reaches into space exploration.
However, the congratulatory message comes at a time when India-US relations have been under strain. Recent weeks saw friction following US President Donald Trump’s public claim that Washington played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during May’s Operation Sindoor — a statement New Delhi flatly rejected, reaffirming that no third-party mediation had occurred.
Tensions escalated further when President Trump imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian imports in retaliation for India’s decision to purchase oil from Russia, a move Washington opposes. New Delhi criticized the measure as unjustified, standing firm on its sovereign right to make independent foreign policy and trade decisions.
Despite these challenges, both governments continue to maintain active channels of communication, and their strategic partnership remains integral to shaping the security and economic architecture of the Indo-Pacific. While disputes over trade and diplomacy linger, the message from Washington on India’s national day suggests that the foundation of the relationship remains strong — rooted in shared democratic values, mutual strategic interests, and a long history of cooperation.
