Former President Solih extends Independence Day greetings to India

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended his greetings on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

India's Independence Day is a national holiday observed to commemorate the country's liberation from British rule on August 15, 1947.

In a post on X this Saturday, Solih extended his warm congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the beloved people of India on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.

Solih stated that the progress achieved by India since 1947 serves as a profound inspiration for developing nations like the Maldives as they navigate their own democratic journeys.

Furthermore, in his message, Solih expressed his desire to see the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and India further strengthened in the years ahead.

During Solih's administration, the relationship between the Maldives and India strengthened significantly. As a result, Maldivian citizens were granted numerous concessions and eased access to services in India, particularly in the fields of healthcare, trade, and education, as well as various other professional sectors.

However, relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly during the early days of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, following his heavy criticism of India after coming to power on the back of the "India Out" campaign. Political observers have noted that President Muizzu was eventually compelled to seek India’s assistance after failing to secure substantial support from other nations. Consequently, the President undertook an official visit to India to begin mending the strained ties, later stating that his administration’s foreign policy is centered on strengthening relations with all countries.