The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the eve of their Republic Day (May 28, 2016).

In a message toHis Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to convey cordial greetings and felicitations to you and to the Government and people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of your Republic Day.

India and Azerbaijan enjoy warm and friendly relations based on close historical and cultural ties. I am confident that through our cooperative endeavours our bilateral relations will continue to grow for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. India looks forward to further strengthening our multi-faceted engagement with Azerbaijan.

I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and well-being as well as for the prosperity and progress of the friendly people of Azerbaijan”.

This Press Release issued at 1310 hrs.