Leaders from Singapore and the Maldives praised India’s democratic journey, partnerships and growing role in regional cooperation as the country marked its 80th Independence Day….reports Asian Lite News Desk
World leaders have extended greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day, praising the country’s democratic journey, longstanding partnerships and growing role in regional and global affairs.
Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted the strong and forward-looking Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore, describing people-to-people ties as an important foundation of bilateral relations.
“Our cooperation is multifaceted, expanding into new areas including skills development, digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. By drawing on our complementary strengths, I am confident that our two countries will continue to identify fresh opportunities for the benefit of our peoples,” Shanmugaratnam said.
He also stressed the shared interest of Singapore and India in maintaining a peaceful, open and connected region.
“We will continue working closely with India, as one of ASEAN’s oldest Dialogue Partners, to strengthen regional integration and resilience, especially in trade, the digital economy, energy security, and the energy transition,” he added.
Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also conveyed Independence Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.
Solih said India’s journey since gaining independence in 1947 had served as an “inspiration for developing countries” such as the Maldives in their pursuit of democracy.
He expressed hope that the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India and the Maldives would continue to deepen.
Mohamed Nazim, president of the Maldives National Party, also extended his greetings to India, describing the country as a close friend and trusted partner of the Maldives.
“Happy Independence Day to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and all Indians. Wishing you a day filled with joy and may India prosper always,” Nazim said.
“In the past years, India has been a close friend and a trusted partner to the Maldives. May this friendship between India and the Maldives grow stronger.”
India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on August 15, with this year’s commemorations also marking 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram”.
The celebrations are highlighting India’s development ambitions and the contribution of its young population towards the goal of building a Viksit Bharat, or developed India, by 2047, the centenary of independence.
The messages from leaders in the region underline India’s expanding diplomatic and economic engagement, particularly in areas such as trade, digitalisation, energy security, sustainability and regional connectivity.
India and Singapore have strengthened cooperation across several sectors under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while relations with the Maldives remain an important component of India’s engagement in the Indian Ocean region.
The Independence Day greetings also reflect the wider significance of India’s democratic experience and its role in promoting regional cooperation, resilience and connectivity.
As India marks eight decades of independence, its partnerships across Asia continue to evolve, with countries such as Singapore and the Maldives emphasising the importance of closer cooperation in addressing shared regional and economic challenges.
