India, July 7 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday wished Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and said he continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion.

"The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans," Marco Rubio wrote in a statement.

"We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

Modi said that the Dalai Lama has been an enduri...