Both the presumptive Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain [Images] and the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama [Images], have issued messages congratulating India, its people, and the Indian-American community on India's 61st anniversary of Independence with Obama issuing a similar message congratulating Pakistan, its people and the Pakistani-American community too.

In his message, McCain said, "I extend my heartiest congratulations to India, its citizens, and the Indian-American community in the United States on this 61^st anniversary of India's Independence."

"Your success as a democracy," he said, "serves as a beacon for the entire world. It reminds us that the quest for freedom is universal."

He noted "India's recent economic achievements also remain a great source of admiration in the United States," and added: "They prove that the free markets remain the best instruments to defeat poverty and increase prosperity."

McCain declared that "India is one of American's closest democratic partners," and said, "We are proud to count you among our friends and allies."

"The United States stands side by side with India in the common struggle to defeat the radical extremism that threatens the freedom both our countries earned."

McCain pointed out that "I support the growing partnership between India and United States and that is why I voted for the US-India nuclear accord and I will continue to work to strengthen the bond between our two nations; a bond that is enriched by the presence of the Indian Americans community in the US."

"On this anniversary of Independence," he said, "I am happy to share my felicitations with the two million Americans who have come from India and to all the people of India," and reiterated his "best wishes for your continued success."

Obama in his message, dated August 15 and released in advance as was McCain's message, said, "Today, I join with Indian-American communities across our country in celebrating the 61^st anniversary of India's independence," and declared, "It is only natural that the world's oldest and the world's largest constitutional democracies should enjoy strong relations."

"With India," he said, "America has one of its most important relationships in an uncertain world."

Obama said "America and India share many common goals and interests," and in enumerating a few of these commonalities, said, "America is India's largest trading and investment partner, and both countries are working to protect their people and their values from 21^st century threats while at the same time respecting the rule of law and cultural pluralism."

"Public health, education, agriculture, energy, strategic cooperation and technology are only a few of the fields where we should continue to work jointly," he urged.

Obama in lauding the role of the Indian-American community in being the bridge between the growing ties between Washington and New Delhi [Images], said, "Our strengthened  relationship with India has been achieved in part due to the active involvement of Indian Americans."

"Indian Americans have been strong contributors to the local communities they have settled in around the country," he said, and added: "They balance love of the homeland with a strong commitment to America, and their knowledge, skills, values and entrepreneurial spirit have immeasurably benefited both countries."

Obama acknowledged that "these efforts have played a significant role in creating a blueprint for bilateral relations that bring our nations closer."

He said, "Just as the American Revolution inspired Mahatma Gandhi [Images] to free a great people, his victory in has inspired generations of young people around the world to pursue freedom in their own countries."

Obama, who has a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in his Senate office and always proudly refers to it, said, "As freedom faces challenges in many parts of the world, his example is even more relevant. This enduring legacy is one of the great gifts of India's revolution, and I join you in celebrating it."

In a simultaneous message issue congratulating Pakistan, its people and the Pakistan American community on Pakistan's 61^st birthday, Obama said, "America's relationship with Pakistan and the Pakistani people is one of the most important relationships we have as we confront the challenges of the 21^st century."

He said that "the vast majority of Pakistan's people share hopes and dreams that are similar to Americans'. As Pakistani-American communities demonstrate, yours is a culture of hard work, entrepreneurship, and love of community -- a culture that places a high value on education, family, faith, and service to society."

Obama said, "As lawyers and other professionals lead Pakistan's progress toward greater democracy, I am reminded of the vital and vibrant role of ordinary people and civil society in leading a nation to freedom."

He reiterated that "Pakistan and America have many common goals and interests," and noted that the US is Pakistan's "top export partner, and Pakistan in turn purchases many American goods and services."

"The partnership is built on the work of Pakistani Americans, who balance love of the homeland with a strong commitment to America. Their knowledge, skills, values and entrepreneurial spirit have proved immeasurably beneficial to both countries."

Obama said, "As the Pakistani people work to perfect their democracy, they have an important ally in the United States," and he pointed out that this was "why I have co-sponsored legislation tripling non-military aid to the Pakistani people and sustaining it for a decade."

He predicted that "working with the Pakistani American community, I am hopeful that the US can support the building of a strong Pakistani democracy that will be a partner in protecting freedom, countering extremism and promoting tolerance in Pakistan and the entire world."

Obama said, "Our peace and security require no less of us," and wished all Pakistani and Pakistani Americans "all the best for a joyous Independence Day."