The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of Turkmenistan on the eve of their Independence Day (October 27, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and people of India and my own behalf, I have the pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of the 25thAnniversary of Independence of Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan has achieved remarkable progress in its overall development - particularly in its economic sector, under your leadership.

Bilateral relations between India and Turkmenistan are based on our strong bonds of friendship and a common foundation of historical and civilizational linkages. We greatly value our relations with Turkmenistan and are committed to further strengthening the close cooperation between our two nations for the benefit of our peoples.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency’s well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Turkmenistan”.

This Press Release issued at 1645 hrs.