The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government and the people of India on the occasion of the country’s 70th Independence Day.
Today, we are reminded of India’s long struggle to independence, and join our beloved neighbours as they remember the freedom fighters and the patriots who sacrificed their lives to bring this day.
The MDP is beholden to India for its years of cooperation with the Maldives, in trade, education, health and in nurturing our economy. We rejoice in the many years of friendship between the two countries.
The MDP also takes special note of India’s standing as the largest democracy in the world, and especially its role in fostering democracy and rule of law in the Indian Ocean region, including in the Maldives.
We are deeply aware that the Maldivian people are in especial need of friendship and guidance from India’s vibrant and pluralistic democracy, as we struggle to maintain our democracy, and our hard- won rights. India remains a source of hope for all Maldivians, and the region.

“As the current Government of the Maldives concentrates further powers to India’s doorstep, the MDP maintains its “India First” policy. We are mindful that this relationship must be fostered over all others, now more than ever, and note Maldivian foreign policy must always be guided by the Maldives’s status as a frontline state in maintaining Indian Ocean stability,” said MDP Spokesperson Hamid Abdul Ghafoor.
As India celebrates its 69th Independence Day Anniversary, we would like to wish our neighbours a prosperous and bright future.