The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Franceon the eve of their National Day (July 14, 2016).

In a message to His 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, I have the pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of France on the occasion of your National Day.

It is a matter of satisfaction that the bilateral relations between our two countries and our strategic partnership have gained fresh momentum since your fruitful recent State Visit to India. I am confident that our close collaboration across a wide range of areas of mutual interest will continue to grow from strength to strength in the coming years.

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

This Press Release issued at 1640 hrs.