Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu celebrated Thursday by hailing the "invaluable partnership" with India, according to congratulatory messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 78th Independence Day of India.
“India continues to be an invaluable partner in the development of the Maldives. The long-standing partnership, based on mutual respect and trust, has evolved into a close and cooperative friendship that has been instrumental in advancing the development and prosperity of the Maldives,” his office said in a statement.
President Muizzu reiterated his government's strong commitment to strengthening the "historic and close ties" between the two neighboring countries.
Muizzu wrote on the social media platform X, “On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.”
“Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. As we look to the future, I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen, driving mutual prosperity and shared goals,” he added.
In a statement, he revealed that he personally considered India as one of the Maldives' closest allies and invaluable partners, reiterating his "profound gratitude" towards PM Modi, the Government of India, and the people of India for "their generous and ongoing support" to the Maldives earlier in the week.
“India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever Maldives has needed it,” Muizzu acknowledged in External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s presence during a ceremony held at the President’s Office to handover the completed water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 islands in the Maldives, funded by the Government of India’s Line of Credit (LoC) facility through the Exim Bank of India.
In an address, Muizzu explained that these projects were major milestones in the bilateral relations shared between the Maldives and India. He added that they would bring enormous economic benefits, stimulate local economies, and millimeter to the prosperity of the nation jointly.
He also reflected on his recent visit to India to attend Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony during his discussions with EAM Jaishankar. He conveyed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to meet with both Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
This year is the 78th year since August 15th, when India got its independence. Prime Minister Modi commemorated the day by unfurling the national flag from the Red Fort and paid tributes to the freedom fighters.
This year, the theme for Independence Day is 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' consonant with the pronouncement of the central government that asserts development towards a developed nation by the year 2047, marking 100 years of Independence. It is thus noted for big-ticket announcements, including government policy and program focus areas that are newsworthy.
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