WASHINGTON: President George W Bush has greeted the 2.7 million Indian American community on the occasion of the 61st Anniversary of India's independence saying it reminds America of the "close ties" it shares with India, a sentiment shared by two presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain, as well.

"I send greetings to those celebrating the 61st anniversary of India's Independence" Bush said in a message to the Indian American community released through his Office of Public Liaison.

"India's path to independence is a great story of liberty overcoming oppression. Led by Mahatma Gandhi the Indian people engaged in non violent protests and campaigns in the pursuit of freedom," Bush stated.

"On August 15,1947 they achieved their goal,gained their independence and became a democratic nation.This accomplishment demonstrates that though freedom can be delayed,it cannot be denied " the president said.

"It is also a time to remember the rich contributions that the Indian Americans have made to our country and reminds us of the close ties that our Nation shares with India" Bush said.

"(First lady) Laura and I send our best wishes on the occasion" the statement added.

The two leading US presidential candidates have also greeted India with Democrat Barack Obama describing ties with New Delhi as "one of its most important relationships in an uncertain world" and Republican John McCain supporting the "growing partnership" between the two countries.

The two lauded growing India-US ties in messages congratulating India, its people, and the Indian-American community on India's 61st birthday.

Joining "with Indian-American communities across our country in celebrating the 61st anniversary of India's independence," Obama 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."

McCain said he supported "the growing partnership between India and United States and that is why I voted for the US-India nuclear accord.

"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," he said describing "India is one of American's closest democratic partners."