Published 16:29 IST, January 26th 2020
PM Modi thanks Maldives president Solih for Republic Day wishes
Prime Minister Modi thanked President of the Republic of Maldives for his R-Day greetings, says India cherished the deep-rooted friendship with the country.
President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday extended Republic Day wishes to his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 'friendly people of India'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the Maldives president for his Republic Day greetings, saying India cherished the deep-rooted friendship with the country. He also spoke about how this friendship was benefitting people of both nations.
He also thanked Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for his Republic Day wishes.
Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also received a telephone call today from Prime Minister of Israel, his Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel's Prime Minister extended his warmest greetings to the Prime Minister and the citizens of India on the eve of India's 71st Republic Day.
India celebrates 71st Republic Day
The Republic Day celebrations started in New Delhi in the presence of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, who is the Chief Guest in this year's celebrations. The parade saw India display the pride of its armed forces mixed with the cultural extravagance of the Indian States. The 90-minute-long Republic Day parade ceremony began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage at the National War Memorial near India Gate, and the President arrived with the chief guest.
The Indian National Flag was unfurled with a booming 21-gun salute followed by the National Anthem. The parade was commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, while Chief of Staff Major General Alok Kacker was the parade Second-in-Command.
(With Agency Inputs)
Updated 16:29 IST, January 26th 2020