The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the eve of their Independence Day (September 1, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Islam Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 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 you and to the friendly people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of your 25thIndependence Day.

During these 25 years Uzbekistan, under your leadership, has made great strides of progress. In June this year, Uzbekistan successfully hosted the SCO Summit in which India signed the historic Memorandum of Obligations towards membership of SCO.

Our two countries are bound by our close historical and cultural linkages built over centuries of continuous interaction between our respective peoples. I am confident that the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength in the coming years in the jointly identified areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your Excellency’sgood health and success and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Uzbekistan.”

This Press Release issued at 1310 hrs.