Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has reiterated the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the close friendship with India.

Minister Shahid made the statement while speaking during at the function held at Dharubaaruge to mark the 71st Anniversary of the the Republic Day of India.

During the function, the Minister conveyed greetings and sincere felicitations to the Government and People of India, President of the Republic of India Ram Nath Kovind, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the Government and the People of Maldives on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day of India.

He also highlighted the symbolic significance of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, in that it vindicated India’s long struggle for independence, and transforming it into the proud democratic republic it is today.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, was the Chief Guest at the function. The function was also attended by Vice President Faisal Naseem, Speaker of the Parliament, President Mohamed Nasheed, Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, and Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and the Indian community.

Highlighting the close relationship between the Maldives and India, Minister Shahid also took a moment to celebrate “India’s contribution to the lives and livelihood of its neighbours – especially in the Maldives”.

Minister Shahid stated that the relationship between the Maldives and India are built on many years of trust, friendship and people-to-people contact. He concluded by reiterating the commitment to upholding the close bilateral relationship and the friendship between the two countries.

This year, the Maldives and India will mark fifty five years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.