The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Sudanon the eve of their Independence Day (January 1, 2017).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, the President of the Republic of Sudan,the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I have the pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Sudan on the occasion of your Independence Day.

India and Sudan have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. I am confident that our co-operation will be further strengthened in the years to come.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Sudan”.

This Press Release issued at 1310 hrs.