In Maldives, Swaraj exudes confidence in India's development

Interacting with Indian diaspora here, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday said whether it's climate change or counter terrorism on international-level, India is expressing its views with confidence and the world is listening.

"Our government came to power around 16 months back, since then two-pronged development is taking place. First, India is developing faster; and second, the respect for India is growing globally day-by-day. At multilateral fora's India's voice is heard and understood," said Swaraj, who arrived here on a two-day first official visit to Maldives for a Joint Commission meeting.

"On 27 September, 2014, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his desire to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day. But, the UNO passed the proposal with co-sponsorship of 177 nations just in 75 days, on December 11," said the minister.

"Passing the proposal in just 75 days and with the co-sponsorship of 117 nations is a record in the UNO. The earlier record was of 168 countries to a proposal of former South African President Nelson Mandela," she stated, while underlining the growing influence of India on the world scene.

The minister hailed the Indian communities - especially doctors, teachers and resort owners - for playing important roles here.

Earlier, Swaraj was received and welcomed at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport by her Maldivian counterpart Dunya Maumoon.