Senior officials of the Maldives government were not in attendance at the official Indian Republic Day celebrations in Male' City.
India's 75th Republic Day celebrations were held at Hotel Jen on Sunday night. The ceremony was graced by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Shereen Abdul Samad. Notable attendees at the ceremony included former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Chief Justice Dr. Muthasim Adnan as well as MAle' Mayor Adam Azim.
According to a statement from an official from the President's Office, top government officials were unable to attend the ceremony citing a "lack of time" as the reason for their absence.
Senior government officials from the Maldives traditionally participated in Indian Republic Day celebrations. Their noticeable absence at this year's ceremony comes amid strained relations between both countries.
