The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the eve of their Independence Day (August 19, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of Afghanistan on the occasion of your Independence Day.

Our traditional ties of friendship and cooperation have gained strength and substance in recent years. I am confident that our close relationship will continue to contribute to peace, stability and progress in Afghanistan and in our neighbourhood. India will stand by the people and Government of Afghanistan in their efforts to build a strong, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Afghanistan”.

This Press Release issued at 1200 hrs.