President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives will give special priority to further strengthening its relations with India.
The President made the remarks in a social media post marking India’s 80th Independence Day.
In the post, President Dr Muizzu extended greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day.
President Dr Muizzu said the past eight decades of independence symbolise the aspirations and resilience of the Government and people of India. He said the Maldives and India share close relations built on friendship and mutual respect, adding that the Maldivian Government will give special priority to further strengthening these ties.
The Maldives and India have longstanding and strong relations. Even before diplomatic relations were formally established between the two countries on 1 November 1965, Maldivians maintained strong trade relations with India.
Relations between the two countries have continued to strengthen since President Dr Muizzu assumed office. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives to mark Independence Day last year, agreements were concluded in several key areas. In addition, the Maldives and India are holding discussions at various stages towards establishing a free trade agreement.
India marks its Independence Day on 15 August each year. The day commemorates the end of British colonial rule in August 1947 and India gaining independence.