By Arun Kumar

Washington, Aug 14 (IANS): Wishing India a happy and safe Independence Day, US President Barack Obama has said he was looking forward to his India visit aimed at making their relations "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century".

"The strategic partnership between our countries will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to my November visit to India," he said in a message on India's Aug 15 Independence Day.

"Our goal is to make this one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Obama said noting "Ties between our two peoples have never been stronger."

"India's non-violent struggle for freedom, its rejection of terrorism and extremism, and its belief in democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law," he said "has had a profound effect on many countries."

The US civil rights movement leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had spoken "about the debt they owed to Mahatma Gandhi."

Describing over two million members of the Indian American community as "living examples of the bonds that bind our nations together", he said "their accomplishments have become well-known and admired in both countries."

In his message Obama said:

"On behalf of my administration and the American people, I wish to congratulate all who will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of India's independence. Indians around the world can not only look back on their history with pride, but can also look ahead to a future filled with hope and further progress.

"Ever since August 15, 1947, India's non-violent struggle for freedom, its rejection of terrorism and extremism, and its belief in democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law have been an inspiration and beacon of hope for people around the world.

"India's example has had a profound effect on many countries, including the United States. Leaders of our civil rights movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke about the debt they owed to Mahatma Gandhi.

"Ties between our two peoples have never been stronger. The over two million members of the Indian American community are living examples of the bonds that bind our nations together and their accomplishments have become well-known and admired in both countries.

"The strategic partnership between our countries will continue to grow, and I am looking forward to my November visit to India.

"Our goal is to make this one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. Once again, congratulations and best wishes for a happy and safe Independence Day."