Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam expressed Saturday satisfaction at the sustained progress of the peace process between India and Pakistan.

In his address to the nation on the eve of the 58th Independence Day, he also said India advocates a multi-polar worldthat respects sovereignty, non-intervention, freedom and democracy.

"I note with satisfaction of our continuing efforts towards good neighborly relations, particularly the sustained progress of the peace process between India and Pakistan," the Indo-Asian NewsService quoted Kalam as saying.

The peace process aims at resolving the differences, including the long-standing Kashmir dispute, between the two South Asian nations.

"The recent interactions between our two countries ... augur well," Kalam said in a message to Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

"The ongoing process needs to be deepened and intensified in anatmosphere free from terrorism and violence," he said.

India achieved its independence from Britain on Aug. 15, 1947.The British divided the subcontinent into India, which has a Hindumajority, and Pakistan, which was created as a home for Muslims.

Pakistan celebrated its independence anniversary Saturday.

Source: Xinhua