US wishes 'good' friend India on Independence Day

WASHINGTON: Wishing India on its

74th Independence Day

, the US has said the two countries share "close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions," which over the time has flourished into a comprehensive global strategic partnership.


"On behalf of the government of the United States of America and the

American people

, I extend greetings and best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day," Secretary of State

Mike Pompeo

said on the eve of India's Independence Day.

The US and India "have shared close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions" and "see each other as great pluralist democracies, global powers and good friends", he said on Friday.

Over the years, the relationship has grown into a comprehensive global strategic partnership, involving ever closer cooperation on issues vital to global security and prosperity in the 21st century, Pompeo noted.

The US and India work together on defence, counterterrorism, trade, investment, energy, the environment, healthcare, agriculture, science and technology, education, space, the oceans, and much more, the top American diplomat said.