In pics | Then and now: How India celebrated its independence in 1947 and today

PM Modi during his speech on India's 75th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-congratulate-india-on-independence-day-405490">Independence Day</a> expressed his gratitude towards the health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers and&nbsp;scientists who developed the vaccines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-necessary-to-make-full-use-of-indias-potential-says-pm-modi-405470">Also Read:&nbsp;Necessary to make full use of India's potential, says PM Modi</a>

In a wide-ranging speech,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-independence-why-was-august-15-chosen-as-independence-day-404571"> India's</a> prime minister touched on several areas. Here are the key points of PM Modi's speech from the Red Fort today.

-Uplifting small farmers 
&nbsp; 
"In the coming years, we will have to increase the collective power of the small farmers of the country. They have to be provided new facilities," the PM said during this Independence Day speech.

"More than 80 percent of the farmers of the country are those who have less than 2 hectares of land. In the earlier policies that were made in the country, the amount of focus on these small farmers was left," he said.

"Now decisions are being taken keeping these small farmers in mind."

The PM said that road and electricity has reached the villages in the last few years with optical fibre network providing power of data to villages. "Digital entrepreneurs are getting ready in villages too," he added.

-Connectivity &amp; infrastructure

"Today a new history of connectivity is being written in the north-east. This connectivity is of hearts as well as of infrastructure," the PM said adding, "soon the work of connecting all the state capitals of north-east with rail service is going to be completed:

"Ladakh has also progressed towards its limitless possibilities of development," the PM said.

"Ladakh is witnessing the creation of modern infrastructure, while on the other hand 'Indus Central University' is also going to make Ladakh a center of higher education," the PM added.

The PM said the government will soon launch Gati Shakti plan, a 100 lakh crore national infrastructure master plan which will make a foundation for holistic infrastructure and give an integrated pathway to the economy.

-Thrust on Sports

"There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports and fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," India's prime minister said.

India's prime minister said sports has been made a part of mainstream education instead of being limited to an extra-curricular activity.

"It's a major turning point for our country. In this decade we will further speed up drive to bring in talent, technology and professionalism in sports in the country. It's a matter of pride that India's daughters are giving a splendid performance, be it Boards exams or Olympics," the PM said.

-Energy independent India &amp; Net-zero carbon emitter&nbsp;

"Today, we have to pledge to make India energy independent before completing 100 years of independence. India has moved towards electric mobility and work is underway on 100 per cent electrification of Indian Railways with the aim to becoming net-zero carbon emitter by the year 2030," the PM said.

-Simply government procedures

"Our priority will be to ensure that the services reach the last person seamlessly. For the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to end the unnecessary interference of the government and government procedures in the lives of people,&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi said.

"Earlier, the government was sitting in the driver seat. Maybe it was needed at that time. But the time has changed now. Efforts have increased in the last seven years to free the people from the web of unnecessary laws and procedures. Several unnecessary laws have been scrapped so far," the PM said.

-Surgical strikes and new India

"By conducting surgical strikes and airstrikes, we have given a message of the emergence of a new India to our enemies. It also conveys that India can take tough decisions," the PM said.

PM Modi during his speech on India's 75th Independence Day expressed his gratitude towards the health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers and scientists who developed the vaccines.

PM Modi during his speech on India's 75th Independence Day expressed his gratitude towards the health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers and scientists who developed the vaccines. Also Read: Necessary to make full use of India's potential, says PM Modi In a wide-ranging speech, India's prime minister touched on several areas. Here are the key points of PM Modi's speech from the Red Fort today. -Uplifting small farmers "In the coming years, we will have to increase the collective power of the small farmers of the country. They have to be provided new facilities," the PM said during this Independence Day speech. "More than 80 percent of the farmers of the country are those who have less than 2 hectares of land. In the earlier policies that were made in the country, the amount of focus on these small farmers was left," he said. "Now decisions are being taken keeping these small farmers in mind." The PM said that road and electricity has reached the villages in the last few years with optical fibre network providing power of data to villages. "Digital entrepreneurs are getting ready in villages too," he added. -Connectivity & infrastructure "Today a new history of connectivity is being written in the north-east. This connectivity is of hearts as well as of infrastructure," the PM said adding, "soon the work of connecting all the state capitals of north-east with rail service is going to be completed: "Ladakh has also progressed towards its limitless possibilities of development," the PM said. "Ladakh is witnessing the creation of modern infrastructure, while on the other hand 'Indus Central University' is also going to make Ladakh a center of higher education," the PM added. The PM said the government will soon launch Gati Shakti plan, a 100 lakh crore national infrastructure master plan which will make a foundation for holistic infrastructure and give an integrated pathway to the economy. -Thrust on Sports "There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports and fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," India's prime minister said. India's prime minister said sports has been made a part of mainstream education instead of being limited to an extra-curricular activity. "It's a major turning point for our country. In this decade we will further speed up drive to bring in talent, technology and professionalism in sports in the country. It's a matter of pride that India's daughters are giving a splendid performance, be it Boards exams or Olympics," the PM said. -Energy independent India & Net-zero carbon emitter "Today, we have to pledge to make India energy independent before completing 100 years of independence. India has moved towards electric mobility and work is underway on 100 per cent electrification of Indian Railways with the aim to becoming net-zero carbon emitter by the year 2030," the PM said. -Simply government procedures "Our priority will be to ensure that the services reach the last person seamlessly. For the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to end the unnecessary interference of the government and government procedures in the lives of people, PM Narendra Modi said. "Earlier, the government was sitting in the driver seat. Maybe it was needed at that time. But the time has changed now. Efforts have increased in the last seven years to free the people from the web of unnecessary laws and procedures. Several unnecessary laws have been scrapped so far," the PM said. -Surgical strikes and new India "By conducting surgical strikes and airstrikes, we have given a message of the emergence of a new India to our enemies. It also conveys that India can take tough decisions," the PM said.

Independence Day: Key takeaways from PM Modi's speech

Evolution of fashion in India through Bollywood's leading actresses: India Independence Day Special

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the launch of National Digital Health Mission which aims to supply every Indian with a novel health ID that will store every individual's medical records.

The Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech said the mission will help every Indian in getting treatment in health facilities spread across the country.

"From today, a big campaign is being launched in which technology will play a big role. The National Digital Health Mission is being launched today. This will bring a new revolution in India's health sector and it will help reduce problems in getting treatment with the help of technology," he said.

"Every Indian will be given a health ID. This health ID will work as each Indian's health account," Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister while announcing the scheme also said the citizen's health ID will contain every single record of the individual's medical record. The National Digital Health Mission is aimed to be the one-stop healthcare solution for each citizen of the country. The health ID would contain every test, disease and diagnosis, and medical reports together with medicine details in it.

The mission has been rolled out on pilot mode in six Union Territories.

The six union territories where the mission was unrolled through a pilot launch are Chandigarh, Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, the NHA said in a very statement.

What is the National Digital Health Mission?

The National Digital Health Mission is an ambitious mission which aims to equip quite more than 1.3 billion citizens of the country with a one-stop solution for each citizen’s healthcare. It'll come under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The mission is expected to enhance the efficiency of health services within the country. The NDHM is going to be a digital infrastructure aimed at delivering the health care needs for anyone and everyone. The mission will focus to empower every Indian with high-quality healthcare, which may be accessed from any a part of the country.

What is a health ID?

The health IDs will be similar to that of Aadhar-like unique IDs. It will store every single information of a human case healthcare history. The details will be mapped with the citizen's unique ID. The govt aims to make a digital ecosystem linked with the Health ID which can later become a necessary need for any health-related queries.

Where do get the Health ID from?

Anyone can get the Health ID made sitting at home. All one has to do is to create their health ID on their own linking it with their Aadhar Card or mobile number. The ID once created will allow data sharing between hospitals and doctors digitally.

Why do I need to link my Aadhar with the Health ID?

If a person is looking to gain from government welfare schemes related to health, then they'll be required to link their ID to their Aadhaar.

How safe is one's data?

The Health ID is created by employing a person’s basic details and mobile number or Aadhaar number. This will make it unique to the person, who will have the choice to link all of their health records to the current ID.

Which agency has been mandated to roll-out the ambitious scheme?

The National Health Authority (NHA), the apex agency responsible for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has been given the mandate by the govt. to style, build, and roll-out and implement the NDHM within the country.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the launch of National Digital Health Mission which aims to supply every Indian with a novel health ID that will store every individual's medical records.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the launch of National Digital Health Mission which aims to supply every Indian with a novel health ID that will store every individual's medical records. The Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech said the mission will help every Indian in getting treatment in health facilities spread across the country. "From today, a big campaign is being launched in which technology will play a big role. The National Digital Health Mission is being launched today. This will bring a new revolution in India's health sector and it will help reduce problems in getting treatment with the help of technology," he said. "Every Indian will be given a health ID. This health ID will work as each Indian's health account," Modi said. The Indian Prime Minister while announcing the scheme also said the citizen's health ID will contain every single record of the individual's medical record. The National Digital Health Mission is aimed to be the one-stop healthcare solution for each citizen of the country. The health ID would contain every test, disease and diagnosis, and medical reports together with medicine details in it. The mission has been rolled out on pilot mode in six Union Territories. The six union territories where the mission was unrolled through a pilot launch are Chandigarh, Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, the NHA said in a very statement. What is the National Digital Health Mission? The National Digital Health Mission is an ambitious mission which aims to equip quite more than 1.3 billion citizens of the country with a one-stop solution for each citizen’s healthcare. It'll come under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The mission is expected to enhance the efficiency of health services within the country. The NDHM is going to be a digital infrastructure aimed at delivering the health care needs for anyone and everyone. The mission will focus to empower every Indian with high-quality healthcare, which may be accessed from any a part of the country. What is a health ID? The health IDs will be similar to that of Aadhar-like unique IDs. It will store every single information of a human case healthcare history. The details will be mapped with the citizen's unique ID. The govt aims to make a digital ecosystem linked with the Health ID which can later become a necessary need for any health-related queries. Where do get the Health ID from? Anyone can get the Health ID made sitting at home. All one has to do is to create their health ID on their own linking it with their Aadhar Card or mobile number. The ID once created will allow data sharing between hospitals and doctors digitally. Why do I need to link my Aadhar with the Health ID? If a person is looking to gain from government welfare schemes related to health, then they'll be required to link their ID to their Aadhaar. How safe is one's data? The Health ID is created by employing a person’s basic details and mobile number or Aadhaar number. This will make it unique to the person, who will have the choice to link all of their health records to the current ID. Which agency has been mandated to roll-out the ambitious scheme? The National Health Authority (NHA), the apex agency responsible for the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), has been given the mandate by the govt. to style, build, and roll-out and implement the NDHM within the country.

How National Digital Health Mission and Health ID card will benefit people: Everything you want to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a National Digital Health Mission that would be conceptualised soon -- according to which every Indian citizen would get a health identity card.

In his address to the nation on the 74th Independence Day, PM Modi also said three coronavirus vaccines were at different stages of trials and a roadmap was ready for production and distribution to every Indian.

"Three vaccines are in different stages of testing. When scientists give the go-ahead, we are ready with a plan for production. How the vaccine will reach every Indian in the least amount of time - we have a roadmap ready for that," the prime minister said.

On the national digital health mission, PM Modi said, "From today, a big campaign is being launched in which technology will play a big role. The National Digital Health Mission is being launched today. This will bring a new revolution in India's health sector and it will help reduce problems in getting treatment with the help of technology."

"Every Indian will be given a health ID. This health ID will work as each Indian's health account," he added.

The prime minister said the Mission will help reduce problems in getting treatment in various health facilities in the country and herald a new revolution in the sector.

Every test, disease and diagnosis, and medical reports along with medicines will be stored in every citizen's health ID. These health issues will be resolved through this National Digital Health Mission, PM Modi said while announcing the scheme.

PM Modi on Saturday delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

He began his speech with a tribute to corona warriors.&nbsp;

"We are passing through strange times. Today, I don't see children here at the Red Fort because of the pandemic we are facing. On behalf of the entire nation, I want to thank the efforts of all corona-warriors. All those healthcare workers, doctors and nurses, who have worked tirelessly to serve the nation," he said.

"In this corona crisis, many families have been affected, many have lost their lives. I know, with the resolve of 130 crore Indians, we will defeat this crisis," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a National Digital Health Mission that would be conceptualised soon -- according to which every Indian citizen would get a health identity card.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a National Digital Health Mission that would be conceptualised soon -- according to which every Indian citizen would get a health identity card. In his address to the nation on the 74th Independence Day, PM Modi also said three coronavirus vaccines were at different stages of trials and a roadmap was ready for production and distribution to every Indian. "Three vaccines are in different stages of testing. When scientists give the go-ahead, we are ready with a plan for production. How the vaccine will reach every Indian in the least amount of time - we have a roadmap ready for that," the prime minister said. On the national digital health mission, PM Modi said, "From today, a big campaign is being launched in which technology will play a big role. The National Digital Health Mission is being launched today. This will bring a new revolution in India's health sector and it will help reduce problems in getting treatment with the help of technology." "Every Indian will be given a health ID. This health ID will work as each Indian's health account," he added. The prime minister said the Mission will help reduce problems in getting treatment in various health facilities in the country and herald a new revolution in the sector. Every test, disease and diagnosis, and medical reports along with medicines will be stored in every citizen's health ID. These health issues will be resolved through this National Digital Health Mission, PM Modi said while announcing the scheme. PM Modi on Saturday delivered his seventh consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He began his speech with a tribute to corona warriors. "We are passing through strange times. Today, I don't see children here at the Red Fort because of the pandemic we are facing. On behalf of the entire nation, I want to thank the efforts of all corona-warriors. All those healthcare workers, doctors and nurses, who have worked tirelessly to serve the nation," he said. "In this corona crisis, many families have been affected, many have lost their lives. I know, with the resolve of 130 crore Indians, we will defeat this crisis," PM Modi said.

PM Modi announces launch of National Digital Health Mission in I-Day address to nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the respect for India's sovereignty is supreme and that the Indian Army has responded -- 'from the LoC to the LAC' -- to whoever has attacked it.

In his 87-minute-long address to the nation on India's 74th Independence Day, PM Modi hailed the freedom fighters who fought for the country, and the security forces who daily&nbsp;strive to protect it from the enemy nations.

"Respect for India's sovereignty is supreme for us. What our brave soldiers can do for this resolution, what the country can do, the world has seen in Ladakh," PM Modi said, in an apparent reference to a violent clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15 in which as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese People`s Liberation Army (PLA) were killed.

He added, "From LoC (Line of Control) to LAC (Line of Actual Control), whenever India has been challenged, our soldiers have given a fitting response in a language they understand."

The prime minister, however, did not mention either Pakistan or China in his speech.

PM Modi said India is connecting its relations with its neighbours, whether they are connected to it on land or from the sea, with the partnership of security, development and trust.

Noting that one-fourth of the world's population lives in South Asia, the prime minister said we can create untold possibilities of development and prosperity of such a large population with cooperation and participation.

"All the leaders of the countries of this region have an important responsibility towards the development and progress of this huge mass group."

He added the neighbours are not only those who meet our geographical boundaries but also those who meet our hearts. "Where there is harmony in relationships, bonding occurs."

As much as India's efforts are for peace and harmony, PM Modi said the more commitment it has for its security and to make its Army stronger.

"India is also fully equipped for self-sufficiency in defence production," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dedicates-74th-independence-day-address-to-corona-warriors-security-forces-320685">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi dedicates 74th Independence Day address to corona warriors, security forces</a>

Continuing the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, the prime minister chose an off-white saafa with broad streak of orange for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address.

The Independence Day function, this year, is relatively muted in terms of participation of people in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the respect for India's sovereignty is supreme and that the Indian Army has responded -- 'from the LoC to the LAC' -- to whoever has attacked it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the respect for India's sovereignty is supreme and that the Indian Army has responded -- 'from the LoC to the LAC' -- to whoever has attacked it. In his 87-minute-long address to the nation on India's 74th Independence Day, PM Modi hailed the freedom fighters who fought for the country, and the security forces who daily strive to protect it from the enemy nations. "Respect for India's sovereignty is supreme for us. What our brave soldiers can do for this resolution, what the country can do, the world has seen in Ladakh," PM Modi said, in an apparent reference to a violent clash in the Galwan Valley on June 15 in which as many as 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese People`s Liberation Army (PLA) were killed. He added, "From LoC (Line of Control) to LAC (Line of Actual Control), whenever India has been challenged, our soldiers have given a fitting response in a language they understand." The prime minister, however, did not mention either Pakistan or China in his speech. PM Modi said India is connecting its relations with its neighbours, whether they are connected to it on land or from the sea, with the partnership of security, development and trust. Noting that one-fourth of the world's population lives in South Asia, the prime minister said we can create untold possibilities of development and prosperity of such a large population with cooperation and participation. "All the leaders of the countries of this region have an important responsibility towards the development and progress of this huge mass group." He added the neighbours are not only those who meet our geographical boundaries but also those who meet our hearts. "Where there is harmony in relationships, bonding occurs." As much as India's efforts are for peace and harmony, PM Modi said the more commitment it has for its security and to make its Army stronger. "India is also fully equipped for self-sufficiency in defence production," he added. Also read | PM Modi dedicates 74th Independence Day address to corona warriors, security forces Continuing the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, the prime minister chose an off-white saafa with broad streak of orange for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address. The Independence Day function, this year, is relatively muted in terms of participation of people in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

'From LoC to LAC': PM Modi had a message for Pak, China in his I-Day address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday -- delivering the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day -- said the call for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) has captured people's imagination and become a "mantra" for everyone, as he pushed for raising India's share in global economy.

He said India must become self-reliant and use its vast natural resources to produce for the domestic as well as the global market.&nbsp;He said in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, 130 crore Indians have pledged to build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

"I am confident that India will realise this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest till we achieve that goal," he said.

The prime minister said the country received record foreign direct investments during the last fiscal and even during the coronavirus pandemic, big global companies are looking towards India.

He said the FDI growth was recorded at 18 per cent last fiscal.

Modi reiterated in his address 'Vocal for Local' call and said that India should strive for meeting needs of the world as well and wondered how long the country would continue to export raw materials and import finished products.

He said India has vast natural resources and need of the hour was value addition.

"Now we have to move ahead with the mantra of make for the world along with Make-in-India," he said.

He further said 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' does not mean only reducing dependence on imports, but strengthening India's capacity, creativity and skills.

Addressing for the seventh time in a row from the Red Fort, he said there are numerous challenges in becoming self-reliant, but there are millions of solutions as well.

"India has always believed that the entire world is one family. While we focus on economic growth and development, humanity must retain a central role in this process and our journey," Modi said.

Citing an example what India can do, Modi said before the COVID-19 panedmic, the country was not making N-95 masks, PPE and ventillators, but now it is in a position to export such items.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday -- delivering the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day -- said the call for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) has captured people's imagination and become a "mantra" for everyone, as he pushed for raising India's share in global economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday -- delivering the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India's 74th Independence Day -- said the call for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) has captured people's imagination and become a "mantra" for everyone, as he pushed for raising India's share in global economy. He said India must become self-reliant and use its vast natural resources to produce for the domestic as well as the global market. He said in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, 130 crore Indians have pledged to build a 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. "I am confident that India will realise this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest till we achieve that goal," he said. The prime minister said the country received record foreign direct investments during the last fiscal and even during the coronavirus pandemic, big global companies are looking towards India. He said the FDI growth was recorded at 18 per cent last fiscal. Modi reiterated in his address 'Vocal for Local' call and said that India should strive for meeting needs of the world as well and wondered how long the country would continue to export raw materials and import finished products. He said India has vast natural resources and need of the hour was value addition. "Now we have to move ahead with the mantra of make for the world along with Make-in-India," he said. He further said 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' does not mean only reducing dependence on imports, but strengthening India's capacity, creativity and skills. Addressing for the seventh time in a row from the Red Fort, he said there are numerous challenges in becoming self-reliant, but there are millions of solutions as well. "India has always believed that the entire world is one family. While we focus on economic growth and development, humanity must retain a central role in this process and our journey," Modi said. Citing an example what India can do, Modi said before the COVID-19 panedmic, the country was not making N-95 masks, PPE and ventillators, but now it is in a position to export such items.

'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' has become mantra for everyone: PM Modi

Washington and New Delhi share close bond of friendship and democratic traditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as he greeted India on the occasion of its 74th Independence Day.

"On behalf of the government of the United States of America and the American people, I extend greetings and best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day," Pompeo said in his India Independence Day greetings message on Friday.

"The United States and India have shared close bond of friendship and democratic traditions since India gained its independence seventy-three years ago," he said.

Over the years, the relationship has grown into a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, involving ever closer cooperation on issues vital to global security and prosperity in the 21st century, Pompeo said.

The US and India work together on defence, counterterrorism, trade, investment, energy, the environment, healthcare, agriculture, science and technology, education, space, the oceans, and much more, he said.

"As I remarked earlier this year, the United States and India see each other as great pluralist democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a happy Independence Day," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

Washington and New Delhi share close bond of friendship and democratic traditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as he greeted India on the occasion of its 74th Independence Day.

Washington and New Delhi share close bond of friendship and democratic traditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as he greeted India on the occasion of its 74th Independence Day. "On behalf of the government of the United States of America and the American people, I extend greetings and best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day," Pompeo said in his India Independence Day greetings message on Friday. "The United States and India have shared close bond of friendship and democratic traditions since India gained its independence seventy-three years ago," he said. Over the years, the relationship has grown into a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, involving ever closer cooperation on issues vital to global security and prosperity in the 21st century, Pompeo said. The US and India work together on defence, counterterrorism, trade, investment, energy, the environment, healthcare, agriculture, science and technology, education, space, the oceans, and much more, he said. "As I remarked earlier this year, the United States and India see each other as great pluralist democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a happy Independence Day," Pompeo said.

US Secy of State greets India on Independence Day, says it's America's friend

India is all set to celebrate its 74th Independence day on August 15 in the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic. Watch this video to know more.

India: COVID-19 looms over Independence day events