On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, top American senators, including Republican John Cornyn and Democrat Mark Warner, as well as astronaut Sunita Williams, greeted Indians and Indian-Americans, emphasising the importance of the relationship between the world’s two largest democracies now more than ever.
“I want to congratulate the people in India on 75 years of Independence. The strength of the relationship between the world’s two biggest democracies is more important now than ever,” said Warner, Co-Chair of the powerful Senate India Caucus. This is the largest bilateral caucus in the United States Senate.
India has been moving into the future as a strong, resilient democracy for 75 years, he said.
In a special video message, Warner said, “We have seen that strength through the challenges of the last 14 months as India, America, and the world have been challenged by Covid-19.”
Senator Cornyn, Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, noted that India gained independence from British rule 74 years ago, beginning a long and storied journey toward becoming the world’s largest democracy.
Cornyn, a co-founder of the Senate India caucus, said he understands the importance of a strong US-India relationship firsthand.
“I’m proud to see how our ties have strengthened over the recent years,” he said.
Senator Rick Scott said that the United States is proud to support India, the world’s largest democracy and America’s important partner, and to celebrate the many contributions of our Indian American community, as he joined Indians and Indian-Americans in celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
“Congratulations on 75 years of independence. I hope you have a wonderful celebration,” Scott said in a video message.
Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he is honoured to be among friends in the Indian and Indian-American communities in New Jersey and around the world as Independence Day celebrations get underway.
“We recognise India’s rich heritage and many global contributions, and commit to building on our countries’ strong bond,” he said.
Sending her independence day greetings, Sunita Williams mentioned the rich history of collaboration between India and the United States in space.
“NASA and ISRO have cooperated in many different areas, including Earth and space science. Additionally, NASA has provided deep space communication and navigation support for ISRO’s missions to the Moon and Mars,” she said.
“Exploring space is a global enterprise where we all need to work together. I am especially interested in following the progress of Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission,” Williams said.
