Clinton says US committed to strengthening partnership with India

Hillary Clinton

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today said her country was committed to further strengthening its cooperation and partnership with India.

In a message ahead of India's Independence Day on August 15, Ms Clinton said that, as US President Barack Obama had noted during the recent India-US Strategic Dialogue, the relationship between the two countries was unique.

"It is rooted in common interests, shared values and democratic traditions, and strengthened by our extensive people-to-people connections. We look forward to further developing these bonds when President Obama visits India this fall. Because it is only through dynamic, global cooperation between India and the United States that we can address the defining challenges of the 21st century," she said.

Ms Clinton noted that, each year on August 15, Americans join with Indians around the world to honour Mahatma Gandhi and the heroes of the Indian independence movement who proved that great change could be achieved through non-violent resistance.

"Their courage and determination has inspired generations of leaders around the world, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others who advanced America’s own struggle for civil rights and equality. Sixty-three years after Independence, India is a world leader, and the 'Indian Dream' of freedom, tolerance, and prosperity continues to offer an example for people who yearn for democracy and liberty around the globe," she said.

"Once again, I congratulate the people of India on all you have achieved and wish you a safe and joyous Independence Day celebration," Ms Clinton added.

NNN