India’s 77th Republic Day was commemorated in Malé with a formal reception hosted by the High Commission of India, bringing together senior Maldivian officials, diplomats, and representatives from the private sector to reflect on the breadth of India–Maldives relations.
The reception, held at the Social Centre, was attended by more than 500 guests. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel attended as Chief Guest, alongside Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other invited dignitaries.
In his remarks, Minister Khaleel described the Maldives–India partnership as long-standing and multi-dimensional, shaped by cooperation across infrastructure development, connectivity, and regional engagement. He referred to recent developments between the two countries, including the inauguration of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, as examples of outcomes delivered through bilateral cooperation.
The Indian High Commissioner, in welcoming remarks, spoke about the significance of Republic Day in India’s political history and referred to shared democratic values, mutual respect, and people-focused development as common ground between the two countries. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Maldives across priority areas.
A photo exhibition marking 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives was inaugurated during the reception. The exhibition traced key moments in bilateral engagement, including high-level visits and cooperation initiatives, illustrating how the relationship has evolved since formal ties were established.
The programme also included a cultural performance by a visiting Qawwali group from India, which was warmly received by attendees. Guests were also offered a presentation of Indian cuisine representing different regions of the country, adding a cultural dimension to the evening.
Republic Day was also marked through formal messages exchanged between the two governments. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conveyed greetings to Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that six decades of friendship between the Maldives and India rest on mutual understanding, trust, and respect.
In his message to Prime Minister Modi, President Muizzu referred to the practical progress achieved through the partnership and conveyed appreciation for India’s role in the region, while reaffirming the Maldivian government’s intention to continue advancing bilateral cooperation. He also expressed appreciation for India’s continued support for the Maldives’ socio-economic development and extended personal best wishes to both leaders.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef separately conveyed greetings to C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India, as well as to the Government and people of India. In a public statement, the Vice President said India’s constitutional journey offers lessons for other countries and highlighted the long history of cooperation between the Maldives and India on issues of mutual concern.
Observed annually on 26 January, India’s Republic Day marks the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. For the Maldives, the occasion continues to underline a bilateral relationship that predates formal diplomatic ties and remains central to cooperation across development, culture, and regional affairs.
