Washington, Jan 26 (PTI) Greeting the people of India on the occasion of Republic Day, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Thursday said that 2023 was marked by important milestones in comprehensive global and strategic partnership between the two countries.

“As President (Joe) Biden has said, our relationship with India is one of the most consequential in the world. The past year has been marked by important milestones in our comprehensive global and strategic partnership, including our cooperation throughout India's successful G20 Presidency and at the G20 Leaders' Summit,” Blinken said in his Republic Day message to India.

Also Read | Georgia Twins Separated at Birth Reunited 19 Years Later Thanks to TikTok Video.

“In the year ahead, we look forward to further deepening the vibrant people-to-people ties between our countries and advancing our ambitious agenda for cooperation on our most vital priorities. I warmly extend my best wishes to the Indian people as they celebrate this special occasion,” he said.

Blinken said the Constitution of India continues to provide an enduring framework for the world's largest democracy and a foundation for its global leadership.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: Ready To Observe Ceasefire in Gaza if ICJ Issues Such Ruling, Says Hamas.

Earlier in the day, State Department's Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said India is a key strategic partner of the United States and one that it looks forward to closening their collaboration in a number of key areas.

“This was quite indicative during Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's state visit here to the United States this past summer. So this is an area we'll continue to work on in close coordination with our Indian partners,” Patel said in response to a question.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)