President of India’s Message on the Eve of National Day of France

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people ofthe Republic of Franceon the eveoftheirNational Day(July 14, 2015).

In his message toHis Excellency Mr. Francois Hollande, the President of the Republic of France, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of France on the occasion of your National Day.

Bilateral relations between our two countries are friendly and broad-based.Our strategic partnership has gained a fresh momentum recently.I am confident that our fruitful collaboration including in strategic areas will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your health and personal well-being, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of France.”

This Press Release issued at 1145 hrs.