New Delhi [India], August 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday thanked Israeli President Isaac Herzog for his greetings on India's 80th Independence Day.

In a post on X, PM Modi underscored the value of India's 'friendship with Israel' and expressed commitment to bolstering the strategic ties between the two countries.

'Thank you, President Herzog, for your warm wishes. India deeply values its friendship with Israel. We remain committed to further strengthening our Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people,' the post read.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2088826763313057893

PM Modi made the remarks in response to Israeli President Isaac Herzog's greetings to India, celebrating the close friendship between the two countries on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of India's Independence.

'On behalf of the State of Israel, I warmly congratulate President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the wonderful people of India on your 80th Independence Day!' Herzog said in a post on X.

'May we continue to strengthen the beautiful friendship between Israel and India,' he added.

Subsequently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's 80th Independence Day, describing the friendship between both nations as 'boundless.'

In a post on X by Israel's Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu said that the two ancient nations seize the future together to bring a better life for their people.

'Congratulations to India and to my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on your 80th Independence Day. India and Israel achieved independence one year apart. We are two ancient nations that seize the future together to bring a better life for our people. Our innovation and friendship are boundless. The best is yet to come!' the post read.

In addition to Israel, wishes poured in from across the world as India celebrated its Independence Day.

Earlier in a letter on Saturday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended wishes on the occasion of Independence Day and recalled how the path to a free and independent India was anything but easy, but through the sheer power of will, belief, and determination, its dawning heralded a bright new beginning filled with hope.

Hailing the country's 'remarkable progress' and its authority in the international arena, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, 'Your country is making remarkable progress in the economic, social, scientific, and technological spheres, and rightfully commands considerable authority in the international arena.'

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the commitment of the country to deepen its partnership with India and the enduring friendship between the people.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday extended his warm wishes to the people of India on the landmark occasion of the nation's 80th Independence Day.

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, in his message of goodwill addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his 'elder brother,' expressed hope that the friendship and close bond between the two nations would continue to flourish.

The messages come as India marks 79 years of independence, with leaders and governments from across the world joining the celebrations and reaffirming their commitment to stronger partnerships with New Delhi.

The greetings underline the breadth of India's diplomatic engagement and the emphasis placed on friendship, cooperation, and a peaceful and prosperous region. (ANI)