New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday expressed happiness that the relationship between India and Indonesia had expanded in many areas and the two countries were working in a spirit of trust and confidence.

"Over the years, we have worked together closely in a spirit of trust and confidence. I am happy that our cooperation has expanded in many areas. India is committed to consolidating our partnership," Mukherjee said in a message to President Joko Widodo on the eve of Indonesia's Independence Day.

"Our two countries share warm and friendly relations based on our historical and cultural linkages. As the world's two largest democracies and dynamic economies with strong complementarities and common challenges, we have been natural partners in building an enduring friendship for our mutual benefit," he said.

"It is a matter of satisfaction that we have adopted a five-pronged initiative for strengthening our strategic partnership which includes robust strategic engagement, defence and security cooperation, comprehensive economic partnership, cultural and people-to-people links and cooperation in responding to common challenges."