Malé: A community bike ride held in Hulhumalé brought together participants from across the Maldives to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives while promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability.
The event, held on 19 June, was organised in collaboration with the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives Cycling Association and Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Participants cycled through Hulhumalé in a show of friendship, wellness and shared commitment to a greener future.
The initiative forms part of a series of activities being held throughout the year to commemorate six decades of diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries, whose relationship spans cooperation in development, healthcare, education, infrastructure, security and people-to-people exchanges.
The Indian community in the Maldives has long played an active role in social, cultural and community-based initiatives across the country. Indian expatriates regularly participate in charity drives, environmental campaigns, health awareness programmes, cultural festivals and national celebrations, contributing to stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations.
According to data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, more than 27,000 Indians live and work in the Maldives, making them one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. Indian professionals contribute significantly across key sectors including healthcare, education, tourism, engineering and business.
The bike ride reflected the growing emphasis on community engagement as a pillar of India-Maldives relations, while also highlighting shared goals of promoting public health, active lifestyles and environmental responsibility.
As both countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, a range of cultural, educational and community-focused events are expected to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the people of India and the Maldives.
