In a telephone conversation with the President of India Droupadi Murmu, Head of State Rumen Radev expressed the gratitude of this country and the Bulgarian people for the high professionalism of the Indian Navy, which on 16 March this year freed the pirate-hijacked merchant ship Ruen and its crewmembers, including seven Bulgarian citizens.

President Radev highly appreciated the support of the Indian side, as well as the courage of the personnel in service involved in the rescue of the sailors and the release of the vessel. The Indian Navy demonstrated the significant role of India in ensuring the security of navigation in the region, the Bulgarian Head of State said. The two Presidents agreed that the rescue of the hijacked Ruen strengthened 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. President of India Droupadi Murmu invited President Rumen Radev to visit India at a time convenient for both sides to mark the anniversary and 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.