Biden hails India, world’s biggest democracy

US President Joe Biden congratulated India on Sunday as the Asian giant celebrated its 75th year of independence, lauding it as the word’s biggest democracy.

Biden, in a statement from the White House, Washington, D.C, appreciated the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said in this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the US was more important than ever.

“Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere.

“As we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow.

“I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the US and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day,’’ he said.

According to him, on this day, Aug. 15, 1947, India achieved its long journey toward independence, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence.

Biden said that foundational commitment to respecting the will of the people through democracy continues to inspire the world today and was the basis of the special bond between 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.

“This past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia through the Quad.

“The partnership is to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our “last-mile” coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific,’’ the President said.