The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the King and people of the Kingdom of Tonga on the eve of their National Day (November 4, 2016).

In his message to His Majesty King Tupou VI, Kingdom of Tonga, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings to Your Majesty, the Government and people of the Kingdom of Tonga on the occasion of your National Day.

Bilateral relations between our two countries are growing stronger. India’s dialogue with Pacific Island Countries (PIC) under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) through the FIPIC-I Summit held in Suva in November 2014 and FIPIC-II Summit held in Jaipur in August 2015 has given us opportunities to better understand and address issues being faced by Pacific Island Countries. India’s endeavour in creating a Centre for Excellence in Information Technology and solar electrification of 200 houses through solar Mamas trained in India are the first steps in diversifying our relationship in the field of IT, tele-medicine, tele-education and renewable energy. I am confident that the relations between India and the Kingdom of Tonga will continue to strengthen in the years to come for the benefit of our two peoples.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Majesty my best wishes for your personal good health and well-being, as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kingdom of Tonga”.

This Press Release issued at 1530 hrs.