American corporate leaders celebrate India’s Independence Day

Washington, Aug 16 (PTI) America’s top corporate leers, including those of Indian origin, celebrated India’s Independence Day and lauded country’s progress and growth over past 75 years.

“Happy Independence Day, India! We're commemorating 75 years with a special #GoogleDoodle celebrating family, community and colorful kites that float in skies every August 15,” CEO, Google, Sundar Pichai said.

Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO, said, “What a proud moment for India as we celebrate 75 years as an independent nation.” “Born and raised in Rohtak, Haryana, my beloved homeland is still near and dear to my heart. I take great pride in India's transformation and achievements over past 75 years,” he said.

Renjen said India's growth and progress over last dece has been remarkable.

He said he came to United States from India about 40 years ago, full of hope and expectation. “As a young immigrant, working to assimilate and contribute to American society, I came to appreciate values and interests two countries have in common.” Asserting that he believes next century will be an Indian century, he said he looks forward to India fulfilling its aspiration to be a leing country, a leing ecomy and taking its rightful place at global leership.

Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising healthcare and digital transformation while spearheing India’s development.

“India's progress in se sectors is inspiring and we are fortunate to partner in this journey,” he said.

Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart, said every time he visits India, he is struck by people he meets, ir creativity, invation and drive to make country a global hub for entrepreneurship.

“It's exciting. And it's a powerful combination with government's goal to make India a robust global manufacturing and exports powerhouse and to promote digital and financial inclusion. We're proud to be part of India's story as we create new opportunities for Indian companies to grow as part of our global supply chain and expand our me in India exports to USD 10 billion each year by 2027,” he said.

Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, said August 15 was a momentous occasion.

“This year we mark 75 years of India's independence and indeed 75 years of US-India diplomatic ties. It is a momentous occasion to reflect on great progress that has been me over last 75 years. We also look forward to next 75 years, as we see political, bureaucratic, industrial and people-to-people ties converge at rapid pace,” he said.

Raj Subramaniam, president and CEO of FedEx, said occasion is an opportunity to partner toger to create resilient supply chains in critical sectors.

FedEx, he said, has been a part of India's growth story for nearly four deces.

“And we have witnessed significant progress in US-India bilateral relationship. As two largest democracies in world, both countries have shared values, strong people-to-people ties, and are natural partners for ecomic engment and cooperation,” he said.

“Boeing has a big vision for our relationship with India,” said David Calhoun, president and CEO of Boeing Company.

“Like so many business leers, I am deeply impressed with invative spirit and energy of India’s industry,” said James Taiclet, Chairman, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin. PTI LKJ AQS AQS