World leaders, diplomats wish India on its 74th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to corona warriors -- those at the forefront of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic -- as he delivered his seventh consecutive address to the nation on India's 74th Independence Day.

"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.

The prime pinister also paid tribute to the armed forces and soldiers who died fighting for the nation.

Leaders from across the world posted congratulatory messages on the social media, wishing India on its 74th Independence Day.

First in the list was US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. He said Washington and New Delhi share close bond of friendship and democratic traditions.

"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.

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

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Twitter to wish his Indian counterpart and people of India on their 74th Independence Day.

He wrote, "Warm wishes to @narendramodi and the people of India on their Independence Day. The deep friendship and partnership between Australia and India is founded on bharosa (trust), samman (respect) and shared values. Happy Independence Day!"

Russia President Vladimir Putin said the success achieved by India in economic, social and other spheres is widely acknowledged.

Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Wiedong also tweeted. He said, "Congratulations to the Indian government & people on #IndependenceDay2020. Wish #China & #India, two great nations with ancient civilization prosper together in peace and develop with closer partnership."

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who has managed to invite the wrath of Indians by claiming Lord Rama was born in his country, was among the first ones to pour in best wishes for India.

He tweeted, "Congratulations and greetings to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the Government and people of India on the happy occasion of the 74th Independence Day.  Best wishes for more progress and prosperity of the people of India."

Former deputy prime minister of Nepal Kamal Thapa also wished India.

"Congratulations to Hon. @narendramodi n all Indian friends on the happy occasion of 74th Independence Day of India," he wrote.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, "I extend my warmest congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi & the people of India on #74thIndependenceDay. In these challenging times, it is even more important to cherish the freedom & independence of our nations. People of #LKA joins me in wishing you the very best !"

Tandi Dorji, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan, also tweeted.

He said, "I take this privilege to wish every Indians, a very #HappyIndependenceDay. I pray for your great country to grow from strength to strength."

US Ambassador to India Ken Juster also congratulated India.

"On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we wish everyone in India a healthy and happy #IndependenceDay! #USIndiaDost," he wrote.

Chargé d'Affaires for Afghanistan in India, Tahir Qadiry tweeted, "Sending the great Indian nation the best of salutations for the 74th #IndependenceDayIndia. India has been a vital, veracious, solid & very significant ally of #Afghanistan through thick & thin. We’ll strive to further strengthen our everlasting bilateral ties. आजादी मुबारक"

Dr Ron Malka, Ambassador of Israel to India, posted, "From all of us in @Israel Flag of Israel & @IsraelinIndia, I wish India a very #HappyIndependenceDay2020 Flag of India Jai Hind!"

Barry O’Farrell, Australia's High Commissioner to India, tweeted, "Happy Independence Day! #IndependenceDayIndia #15August2020"

Israel President Reuven Rivlin also congratulated India.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia also wished India and its citizens.

"Our sincere congratulations to the people of India, @narendramodi, @PMOIndia, @DrSJaishankar & colleagues at @IndianDiplomacy, @IndEmbMoscow & @cgivladivostok on Independence Day! #IndependenceDay #IndependenceDay2020 #India #Russia" it wrote.

The Independence Day function, this year, is relatively muted in terms of participation of people in view of the coronavirus pandemic.