The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people ofthe Republic of Mauritius on the eve of the48th anniversary of their Independence Day (March 12, 2016).

In a message to Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Ameenah Gurib- Fakim, the President of the Republic of Mauritius, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Mauritius on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Mauritius.

The date, March 12 is significant in the history of the political struggle of both our countries. It symbolises our shared commitment to the democratic principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

India and Mauritius enjoy a long standing and special relationship based on our historical ties of kinship and shared cultural heritage. 2015 was a landmark year in this friendship. The important commitments and decisions concluded during this period have re-energized our cooperation and strengthened our close friendship.

I warmly recall your visit to India in December 2015 and our frank and fruitful discussions which, too, have contributed to the enhancement of our extraordinary and unique bilateral relations. I am confident that these will continue to deepen in the years ahead to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your personal well being and success, as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Republic of Mauritius”.

This Press Release issued at 1315 hrs.