The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Vanuatu on the eve of their Independence Day (July 30, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Baldwin Lonsdale, the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of the Republic of Vanuatu on the occasion of your Independence Day.

It is matter of satisfaction that India and Pacific Island countries share a multi-faceted relationship that has been further strengthened through the successful 2ndSummit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held in India in August, 2015. We were honoured to receive H.E. Meltek Sato Kilman Livtuvnu, Prime Minister of Vanuatu in India for FIPIC Summit and valued his contribution to its success.

India and Vanuatu share a common desire to deepen our engagement in order to address common challenges. I firmly believe that in the near future, our joint developmental initiatives in the areas of renewable energy and information technology will help create a strong foundation for further strengthening this valued partnership.

I take this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency my best wishes for your good health and well-being – and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Vanuatu.”

This Press Release issued at 1310 hrs.