Obama, Clinton hail vibrancy of US-India ties on India's Republic Day

Washington, Jan.27 (ANI): US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both hailed the vibrancy and stability of US-India bilateral relations on the occasion of India's 62nd Republic Day.

In a statement, President Obama said: "On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of India and to those here in the United States and around the world who are celebrating India Republic Day. Michelle and I were honored to visit India in November as India marked the 60th year of its democratic constitution."

"As I said then, the United States and India are not only the world's two largest democracies, we are two pluralistic societies that believe in the potential and dignity of every human being," he added.

"These are the beliefs that inspire the nearly three million Americans who can trace their roots to India - and all of whom enrich our society. And they are the beliefs that have led Prime Minister Singh and I to make the U.S-India relationship one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. As we go forward together, the enduring lessons of this Republic Day can inspire us to seek a future of greater prosperity and opportunity for both our peoples," Obama said.

In her statement, Clinton said: "I join President Obama and the American people in congratulating the people of India as they celebrate the 62nd anniversary of Republic Day this January 26."

"Our two nations are bound together by mutual respect, shared values, and the freedoms enshrined in our Constitutions. Our people and governments are forging an even stronger strategic partnership to promote a secure and stable world, and support even greater cooperation on economic development, open government, and democratic values," she added.

"I look forward to my visit to India in April to advance our efforts during the next session of our Strategic Dialogue. The people of the United States and India-united by these shared values and commitment to a safer, more secure world-are working together to construct what President Obama has called an indispensable partnership for the 21st century," Clinton said.

"I wish all Indians around the world continued peace and prosperity in the coming year," she concluded. (ANI)