Spirit of "freedom" underpins ties between India & US: Richard Verma

NEW DELHI: The spirit of "freedom" underpins the ties between India and the United States of America, remarked the US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma here today.

Speaking at the US National Day (July 4) celebrations at a gala event here, Verma recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech to the US Congress wherein he had extolled the power of "dreams" of the American people.

"Tonight we celebrate not just the ideals America was founded upon, but also America itself . . .

"In his recent address to Congress, Prime Minister Modi recounted fondly his travels across the United States, stating it led him to realise that the real strength of the United States was in the dreams of its people and the boldness of their ambitions.

"It is that spirit of freedom which underpins the bonds between our two nation's citizens," Verma said.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju represented the Indian side on the occasion, which also saw the presence of a large number of diplomats from across countries.

One of the highlights of the evening was the performance by the 'Flagship Brass Quintet' from the U S 7th Fleet.

In his speech, Verma also touched upon the joint efforts being put by both the countries in preserving the environment.

"From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the jungles of Ranthambore, India too has a stunningly beautiful landscape which our two nations are working together to preserve.

"Let us celebrate the natural landscapes we seek to preserve for our posterity and pledge ourselves anew to those ideals immortalized 240 years ago--the right to life, liberty," Verma said.