The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Fiji on the eve of their Independence Day (October 10, 2016).

In a message toHis Excellency Maj Gen. (Ret’d) Jioji Konousi Konrote, the President of the Republic of Fiji, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and people of India, it is with pleasure that I convey warm greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and people of Fiji on the occasion of your Independence Day.

It is a matter of satisfaction that the bilateral relations between our two countries are growing stronger. India’s dialogue with Pacific Island Countries (PIC)s under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) at 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 understand and address the challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries.

India will continue to partner Fiji in the field of IT, tele-medicine, tele-education and renewable energy. I am confident that the relations between India and Fiji will continue to strengthen in the years to come for the benefit of our respective peoples.

I take this opportunity, Excellency, to convey to you my best wishes for your good health and well-being, as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Republic of Fiji”.

This Press Release issued at 1445 hrs.