Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has reiterated commitment of the Maldives towards the India First Policy. He made the remarks in a message of felicitations sent to Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar, on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India.
In his message, Minister Shahid conveyed sincere felicitations and good wishes on behalf of the government and people of the government and people of India on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India. Minister Shahid noted for 73 years, the Constitution of India has provided a framework of governance and guaranteed rights to over a billion people comprising the world’s largest democracy. He added this monumental achievement provides inspiration and hope, to countries all over the world undertaking their own democratic journeys.
Further, Minister Shahid said the many gestures of goodwill, humanitarian assistance and friendship provided by the Government of India is a true testament to the longstanding ties between the Maldives and India. The foreign minister noted India continues to prove that it is, and always will be, the first responder in any crisis in the Maldives. He reiterated the commitment of the Maldives to uphold an ‘India First Policy’, and appreciate India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, which has worked to the mutual benefit of both countries. He added the Maldives will also continue to cooperate on issues of mutual interest in the international arena.
India’s Republic Day is marked on the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950.