Maldivian President wishes India on 'R-Day'

Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed on Friday tweeted to wish India on the occasion of 69-Republic Day.

Nasheed also called for a united voice in safeguarding Indian Ocean security.

"Happy Indian Republic Day! Indian Ocean countries must speak with one voice when it comes to safeguarding Indian Ocean security," he tweeted.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that India would always be a reliable and close neighbour of Maldives, supporting it in its progress and security.

Prime Minister Modi made this remark during his meeting with Special Envoy of the Maldives President and Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim.

The two discussed the ties between India and Maldives as close neighbours bound by shared history, culture and maritime interests in the Indian Ocean.

Special Envoy Asim reiterated the commitment of Maldives to maintain close relations with India under Maldives' "India First" policy.

In December, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom reaffirmed that India was the nation's closest friend and ally.