President prays for better Indo-French ties

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday greeted France on its National Day Monday and hoped that the Indo-French "fruitful collaboration" will "grow from strength to strength".

In a message to French President Francois Hollande, Mukherjee said: "I wish to extend to you, the government and the people of France, warm greetings and felicitations.

"The strategic partnership between India and France is based on the pillars of expanding cooperation in the vital areas of defence, civil nuclear power, space and security.

"Your successful visit to India last year provided a new momentum to this partnership. I am confident that our fruitful collaboration will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead...

"Please accept... my best wishes for your health and personal well-being, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of France," Mukherjee said.