US proud to stand by Indians in cause for freedom, prosperity around globe: Tillerson

Extending greetings to the people of India as they celebrate their Independence Day on Tuesday, the United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said his country is proud to stand with Indians in the cause for freedom and prosperity around the globe.

" On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, best wishes to the people of India as they celebrate their Independence Day and continue the journey we began together 70 years ago. The United States is proud to stand with the people of India, the world's largest democracy, in the cause for freedom and prosperity around the globe," Tillerson said in a statement.

"Prime Minister Modi's ambitious vision for the U.S.-India relationship holds great promise for advancing our shared interests in the 21st century, and we look forward to the many years of friendship before us," he added.

India is celebrating its 71st Independence Day today and the main function was held at the Red Fort in the national capital where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the National Flag synchronized with a 21-gun salute.

The day commemorates india's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday vowed to fight terrorism, corruption, casteism, and communalism.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India's 71st Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi reiterated government's resolve to fight against terrorism.

Sending a strong message against terrorism, Prime Minister Modi said there is no question of being soft on terrorists and terrorism will be dealt with iron fist.

The Prime Minister said India is fighting the menace of terrorism jointly with the global community.

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned 2016 surgical strike in his speech and said that when India conducted surgical strikes then the world had to acknowledge its might.

Talking about national security, Prime Minister Modi said the concern for national security is a natural one in an independent India.