Biden invokes Gandhi’s message in Independence day speech

The US president said the India-US partnership had become more important amid the current challenges and opportunities

Joe Biden: File picture

PTI   |   Washington   |  16.08.21 :  Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence had guided India on its journey towards independence, US President Joe Biden recalled on Sunday.

“On this day, August 15, 1947, India achieved its long journey toward independence, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence,” Biden said, greeting Indians on the occasion of Independence Day.

“Today, that foundational commitment to respecting the will of the people through democracy continues to inspire the world and is the basis of the special bond between our two nations. Over the decades, the ties between our people, including a vibrant community of more than four million Indian Americans, have sustained and strengthened our partnership.”

Biden said the India-US partnership had become more important amid the current challenges and opportunities.

He said that in the past one year, the two nations had come together in new ways as they tackled the pandemic. They had worked in partnership with Japan and Australia — through the Quad grouping — to expand global manufacturing of Covid-19 vaccines and strengthen the last-mile coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific.

“Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow,” Biden said.

“I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.”

Secretary of state Antony Blinken too spoke of US-India cooperation.

“Our regional cooperation is expanding at an exponential pace as we continue to work together, alongside our partners, to advance our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. From climate action and clean energy to space technologies, US-India bilateral cooperation is wide-ranging and stronger than ever before,” Blinken said in a message.

“As I said during my visit to New Delhi, there are few partnerships more vital than the one between the United States and India. Mindful of our 74 years of friendship, our two democracies will continue to build a better tomorrow. Happy Independence Day!”