Indian embassy holds 76th Republic Day celebrations

The Indian High Commission in Maldives hosted a reception on Monday night to celebrate India’s 76th Republic Day.

The reception – which showcased vibrant cultural performances – was attended by Maldivian government ministers, diplomats, and the Indian diaspora.

The ministers who attended the reception include Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel – who served as the chief guest, Family Development Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu and Environment Minister Toriq Ibrahim.

Other dignitaries who attended the reception include Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan, MDP president and former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, and members of the Parliament.

They were welcomed by Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian.

Addressing the gathering, Balasubramanian highlighted on the longstanding relations between Maldives and India.

He said that Maldives occupies a special place under India’s foreign policy of ‘Neighborhood First’ as well as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

“From our perspective… to put it succulently in the words of our Prime Minister Mr. Modi; for India, neighborhood is a priority. And in the neighborhood, Maldives is a priority,” he said.

Subramanian also noted that this year marks an important landmark Maldives and India as the two countries mark 60 years since the establishment of official diplomatic relations.