site.btaPresident Radev Talks by Phone with Indian Counterpart

In a telephone conversation with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, President Rumen Radev expressed gratitude on behalf of Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people for the professionalism of the Indian naval forces, which on March 16 freed the merchant ship Ruen and its crew with seven Bulgarians, who were captured by pirates.

President Radev highly appreciated the support of the Indian side, as well as the courage of the servicemen involved in the rescue of the sailors and the release of the ship. "The Indian naval forces have demonstrated India's significant role in ensuring the security of navigation in the region," the Bulgarian head of State said. The two state leaders agreed that the rescue of the hijacked vessel strengthens the long-standing friendship that the two countries have built.

This year 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and India. Indian President Droupadi Murmu invited President Rumen Radev to visit India to mark the anniversary and to outline the prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation. In the telephone conversation, both heads of State noted the potential for building on the partnership in a number of areas of mutual interest, the release said.