The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Emperorand people of Japan on the eve of their National Day (December 23, 2015).

In a message toHis Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to convey warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of Your Majesty’s Birthday and the National Day of Japan. 
Our traditionally warm and friendly relations have been enhanced and strengthened in recent times into a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’. With our shared heritage founded in Hindu-Buddhist philosophy and as the two large economies in Asia sharing common values of democracy, freedom and rule of law, our two countries are uniquely placed to deal the challenges of economic development and security and make a contribution for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I am confident that our cooperation and coordination on regional and global issues of common interest will continue to grow and enrich our bilateral relationship.

Please accept, Your Majesty, my best wishes for Your Majesty’s good health and personal well-being as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Japan”.

This Press Release issued at 1320 hrs.