India, Aug. 15 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings to the people of India on the occasion of Independence Day, calling the ties between the world's largest and oldest democracies "consequential and far-reaching."

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He said India and the US share a vision for a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific, with ties spanning industries, innovation, advanced technologies, and space.

"The historic relationship between the world's largest democracy and the world's oldest democracy is consequential and far-reaching. Our shared vision unites our two countries for a more peaceful, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region," Rubio said in a statement.

"Our partnership spans industries, pro...