The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of theBolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the eve of theirNational Day (July 05, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Nicolas Maduro Moros, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I have the pleasure to convey warm greetings and felicitations to the Government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the occasion of your National Day.

The traditionally close ties between India and Venezuela have further strengthened in recent years. Regular exchange of bilateral visits has resulted in further expansion of our economic ties – particularly, in the field of energy. I am confident that our relations will assume greater depth and content in the coming years.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your well-being and happiness and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”.

This release issued at 0910 hrs.