Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has called on Maldivian businesses to invest in India.
Addressing the ceremony held in Maldives to celebrate the 71st Republic Day of India, Ambassador Sudhir said India prioritises providing essential services for Maldivians rather than investing on huge infrastructure projects. He highlighted how the relationship between India and Maldives unfolded in the past, describing Maldives as a close neighbour of India.
Furthermore, the Ambassador Sudhir noted India will always assist Maldives in every situation it faces, as India attaches high importance to the welfare of Maldives. The ambassador called on Maldivian businesses to invest in India, noting the increase in popularity of Maldives among Indians as a tourist destination. He also assured projects conducted in Maldives with India's assistance will be transparent.
Meanwhile, during the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid extended warm felicitations of the day and highlighted the developments of India. The minister also expressed the importance attached by both countries to ensure the security and peace in the Indian Ocean region.
The ceremony was attended by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vice President Faisal Naseem, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, and Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan along with Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi.
India marks Republic Day on January 26, honouring the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 1950. Since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took office on November 2018, the relations between Maldives and India have strengthened.