'Russia values special privileged strategic partnership’: Putin hails India’s ‘well-deserved authority’ in global affairs

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India’s “well-deserved authority” in international affairs as global leaders and neighbours extended greetings on the country’s 79th Independence Day on Friday. 

Putin also underlined Russia’s commitment to strengthening the “special privileged strategic partnership” between the two nations in his messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“We value our relations of special privileged strategic partnership with India,” Putin said, expressing confidence that through joint efforts, Russia and India will continue to comprehensively increase constructive bilateral cooperation in various areas.

France, Israel hail growing ties with India

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated India while recalling Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France in February. “Warm congratulations to the people of India on your 79th Independence Day! I fondly recall welcoming my friend Narendra Modi to France in February, and look forward to deepening our strategic partnership towards 2047 and beyond,” Macron posted on social media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also extended greetings to “dear friend” Narendra Modi and the people of India. “Israel and India are two proud democracies, bound by history, innovation, and friendship. Our nations have achieved much together, and the best chapters of our partnership still lie ahead,” the official account of the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel posted.

US, Maldives acknowledge historic bonds

On behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations and warm wishes to the people of India. India and the United States, “working together,” will rise to the modern challenges of today and ensure a brighter future for both countries, Rubio said in a statement, describing the “historic relationship” between New Delhi and Washington as “consequential and far-reaching.”

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, while extending greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, said that “India has always been a trusted development partner of the Maldives.” He added, “I deeply appreciate the increase in high-level exchanges and people-to-people contact between our countries, which underscores the strong cooperation we have built.”

Australia, Ukraine, and Iran celebrate partnerships

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong greeted Indian-Australian communities and people of India on the occasion. “As we celebrate five years of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India, our relationship is stronger and more consequential than ever,” Wong posted on social media.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended “warm greetings” on Independence Day and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a “comprehensive partnership” with India. “We remain committed to strengthening our comprehensive partnership for the benefit of our peoples and promoting global peace, security, and prosperity,” it said.

South Asian neighbours and Singapore highlight ties

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended “warm congratulations” and emphasised Tehran’s determination to promote bilateral relations and cooperation. “We are determined to promote bilateral relations & cooperation in all areas that the two countries deem beneficial to our nations based on mutual respect and our common interests,” it posted on X.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath extended his wishes to his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar. “Warmest felicitations to the Hon. Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and to the Government and people of India on your 79th Independence Day. May the enduring friendship between our nations continue to inspire peace, prosperity, and mutual respect,” Herath posted on social media.

Nepal and Singapore laud India’s global role

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan congratulated India and underscored the strength of bilateral ties between the two countries. “Congratulations to India on your 79th Independence Day. Our meeting earlier this week underscored the strength of our ties. We celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties,” Balakrishnan posted.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said that Nepal deeply values its longstanding partnership with India while wishing her Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar. “On this Independence Day, we wish the people of India continued prosperity, unity, and harmony. May India remain a shining example of democracy, inspiring countries around the world,” Deuba posted on social media.