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Aug. 15 marked 75 years since India gained its independence from Britain, and the state of Texas commemorated the milestone by celebrating the "strong bond" between the state and India.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) was recently joined by members of the Indian American community in Texas as he signed a proclamation in honor of the country's 75 years of independence.
"India is our largest democratic ally in the world," Abbott wrote in an Aug. 13 tweet. "On Sunday, they begin celebrating 75 years of independence. Today, I'm honored to sign a proclamation recognizing this momentous anniversary and the partnership between Texas and India."
Abbott shared a video on his Twitter page where he said honoring India's 75th independence anniversary was a chance to renew the state's friendship with India and share in their commitment to freedom.
"Texas is now home to the second largest Indian American population in the U.S. and we appreciate the role that the Indian American community plays in helping Texas to continue our democracy," Abbott said in the video.
Abbott also said India was a strong economic partner to Texas and even honored the country's independence with a tribute at the Governor's Mansion.
"There's a strong bond between Texas and India, and tonight we recognize the start of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence by lighting the Governor's Mansion," Abbott tweeted on Aug. 15. "Let's celebrate the work that was accomplished in making the dream of an independent India a reality."
According to the Office of the Texas Governor, Consul General of India Aseem Mahajan joined the governor for the ceremonial signing of the proclamation to honor the South Asian republic.
Abbott said the 1947 Indian Independence Act "ushered in a new age of freedom for the people of India," according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
The American Bazaar reported India's ambassador to the U.S. Taranjit Singh Sandhu said U.S.-Indian relations "have come a long way, indeed."