The Indian High Commission in Maldives hosted a reception on Monday evening to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day. The event, featuring vibrant cultural performances, brought together Maldivian government ministers, diplomats, and members of the Indian community living in the Maldives.
The reception was graced by the presence of several prominent Maldivian ministers, including Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, who attended as the chief guest. Other ministers in attendance were Family Development Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim.
Dignitaries such as Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan, MDP President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, and members of Parliament also attended the event.
Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian welcomed the attendees and emphasised the enduring friendship between the two countries in his address. He reiterated India’s commitment to its foreign policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), underlining the Maldives’ pivotal role in both strategies.
“From our perspective… to put it succinctly in the words of our Prime Minister Mr. Modi; for India, neighbourhood is a priority. And in the neighbourhood, Maldives is a priority,” Balasubramanian stated.
The High Commissioner also highlighted a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, noting that this year marks 60 years since the establishment of official diplomatic ties between Maldives and India.
The event celebrated the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, reaffirming their shared commitment to mutual growth and regional security.
