The government of India has stated that they welcome the “successful” completion of the third Presidential Election in the Maldives and expressed their confidence that the mandate of the people will prevail.

Noting that Indian authorities have already congratulated President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory and welcomed the acceptance of the verdict of the people of the Maldives, a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday reads that Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently spoke to President-elect Solih and offered his “personal” congratulations the day following the Presidential Election in September.

India’s statement, which was released after the outgoing President Abdulla Yameen’s farewell address on Wednesday, which came ahead of the judgement of the Supreme Court, also reads that there are “several” world leaders who have welcome the successful conduct of the Election process.

As such, spokesperson at the ministry, Raveesh Kumar stated that India “looks forward” to working closely with the Maldives in further “deepening the partnership” between both countries, in keeping with India’s ‘Neighborhood first’ policy.

India’s statement further reads that their government has consistently held the position since the imposition of the nation-wide State of Emergency earlier in February, that there was need to protect democracy in the Maldives and preserve mandate of citizens.

“This election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in Maldives but also reflects the firm commitment to the value of democracy and rule of law” reads the statement.

While PM Modi had invited Solih to India, discussions had been held between the two in ways to strengthen bonds between both countries. As such, Solih had vowed to strengthen their ties in his administration, following the severe deterioration of decades-long diplomatic relations between India and Maldives in recent years.