President of India’s Message on the Eve of Independence Day of Indonesia

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia on the eve of their IndependenceDay(August 17, 2015).

In his message toHis Excellency Mr. Joko Widodo, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and congratulations to the Government and the people of Indonesia on the occasion of your Independence Day.

Our two countries share warm and friendly relations based on our historical and cultural linkages. As the world's two largest democracies and dynamic economies with strong complementarities and common challenges, we have been natural partners in building an enduring friendship for our mutual benefit. Over the years, we have worked together closely in a spirit of trust and confidence. I am happy that our cooperation has expanded in many areas. India is committed to consolidating our partnership.

During the last few years, our two countries have established a close understanding on several key areas of cooperation, including through several important instruments of cooperation. It is matter of satisfaction that we have adopted a five pronged initiative for strengthening our strategic partnership – which includes robust strategic engagement, defence and security cooperation, comprehensive economic partnership, cultural and people-to-people links and cooperation in responding to common challenges.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Indonesia. In particular, I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between our two countries.”

This Press Release issued at 1235 hrs.