New Delhi: Leaders from across the country, including several counterparts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wished India on its 73rd Independence Day and termed the country as their close friend. Prime Ministers of Asian countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal were among the first world leaders to congratulated PM Modi. Apart from Asian countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin also wished India on its special day. "Your country rightfully takes pride in great achievements in economic, scientific, technological, cultural and other spheres. India also enjoys high authority in the international arena...," Putin said in an official statement written to PM Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind.

Apart from Putin's wishes, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took to Twitter and said: "India is our neighbour and close friend and we shall continue working with the Indian government to further strengthen the ties between Maldives and India." PM Modi thanked him, saying India cherishes the strong friendship between the two nations.

Here are some early wishes that came from leaders across the globe wishing India and PM Modi on 73rd Independence Day:




PM Modi thanked him, saying India cherishes the strong friendship between the two nations.


PM Modi responded by expressing hope that the friendship between the neighbours continue to scale new heights and enhance prosperity for the two peoples.


PM Modi, who is visiting Bhutan later this week, said Tshering is correct about the unwavering friendship between India and Bhutan. "This friendship is growing in a wide range of sectors, which is a great sign. I look forward to meeting you during my upcoming Bhutan visit," the PM said.


"To my friend Prime Minister Modi and the people of India... Namaste! Happy Independence Day! The relations between India and Israel are like never before. It's not merely cooperation in so many fields, it is genuine friendship. Happy Independence Day," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message.

After hoisting the national tricolour earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day. In his first Independence Day speech after resuming to power for the second time, Prime Minister said that in his first term he brought the country back on track and 'it is moving fast'. But his new mandate is to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people of a 21st century, of a country that can soar high. "In the next five years we will take the country forward, we are fulfilling the works one by one," he added.