U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm wishes to the people of India on their 79th Independence Day, celebrating the strong ties between the two nations. In a press statement released on August 14, 2025, Rubio highlighted the consequential and far-reaching nature of the historic relationship between the world's largest and oldest democracies.

Rubio emphasized the shared vision of the United States and India for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. He noted that the partnership between the two countries spans various industries, promotes innovation, pushes the boundaries of critical and emerging technologies, and extends into space. Rubio expressed confidence that by working together, the United States and India will rise to the modern challenges of today and ensure a brighter future for both nations.

India and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1947, following India's independence from the United Kingdom. Since then, the two countries have developed a complex relationship, strengthened by strategic cooperation and shared values. India has been declared a "Major Defense Partner" of the United States, and the two nations have increased cooperation within multilateral groups such as The Quad and I2U2 Group.

The United States has remained notably distant in its response to military escalation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, following a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir. Its reluctance to intervene or even express support for India's blaming Pakistan for the terrorist attack created a sense of abandonment in New Delhi, sparking concerns about US reliability as a strategic partner.

Despite these challenges, the long-term trajectory of India-US relations remains unchanged. The United States sees India as a counterbalance to China, while India looks to the US as a key partner in technology, defense, and energy cooperation.

Celebrations of India's 79th Independence Day are taking place across the United States, with a significant Indian diaspora of nearly 5.2 million people. Events include flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and formal receptions at consulates in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta. India Day Parades, such as the Federation of Indian Associations' Parade in New York City and the India Day Parade in Fremont, California, feature tricolor floats, Bollywood stars, and food vendors.

Secretary of State Rubio also extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistan, acknowledging their engagement on counterterrorism and trade. He reiterated the U.S. President's ambition to explore new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, between the U.S. and Pakistan. This comes amid what observers describe as a noticeable warming in Washington–Islamabad ties.