The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of Tuvalu on the occasion of their National Day (October 1, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, the Governor General of Tuvalu,the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and people of India, and on my own behalf, I convey best wishes and greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and people of Tuvalu 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 understand and address the challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries. India’s initiative in creating a Centre for Excellence in Information Technology and solar electrification of 200 houses through the "Solar Mamas” trained in India are significant first steps that have been fruitful 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 Tuvalu will continue to strengthen in the years to come for the benefit of our 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 Tuvalu”.

This Press Release issued at 1445 hrs.