Mukherjee greets US on eve of Independence Day

New Delhi, July 3
President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday greeted the government and people of the US on the eve of the country's 239th Independence Day.

In his message to US President Barack Obama, Mukherjee said: "On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you."

"And, through you to the government and people of the US on the occasion of your 239th Independence Day."

"Shared values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law underwrite the India-US strategic partnership. Your presence as the chief guest on India's Republic Day in January reflected the strength of our friendship and mutual commitment," he added.

The US formally separated from Britain on July 4, 1776.