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, 2017).

In a message to His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I congratulate you and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of your Republic Day.

It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that the long-standing friendly relations between India and Azerbaijan have been strengthened and deepened in a wide range of areas. I am confident that our joint efforts to further expand our bilateral co-operation will pave the way for our closer partnership in new areas of our common interest.

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

This release issued 1300 hrs.