President Ibrahim Mohamed on Sunday attended a special function held to mark the 71st Republic Day of India.
Vice President Faisal Naseem, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, Indian Ambassador to Maldives Sunjay Sundhir and other state dignitaries were present at the function held in Dharubaaruge.
During the ceremony, Indian artist Hemant Kumar presented President Solih with a portrait of the President created by the artist himself.
A video depicting the development of the bilateral relations between the two countries since President Solih took office was played at the function. Both countries also presented cultural performances representing their country and people.
Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Shahid conveyed greetings to the government and people of India, President of India Ram Nath Kovind, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the government and people of Maldives.
The foreign minister highlighted the close relationship between the Maldives and India, and noted: “India’s contribution to the lives and livelihood of its neighbours – especially in the Maldives”.
India’s Republic Day is celebrated on the 26th of January every year to mark the birth of India’s Constitution in 1950, which replaced the British drafted 1935 Government of India Act as the country’s principal underlying legal document.