Daijiworld Media Network - Male

Male, Jul 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to the Maldives marked a significant reaffirmation of the enduring India-Maldives partnership, as he engaged with leaders across the political and institutional spectrum in Male on Saturday.

In a series of high-level meetings, PM Modi underlined India’s commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, emphasizing shared values, development cooperation, and regional security collaboration.

Addressing a multi-party delegation from the Maldives, PM Modi described the bipartisan participation as a symbol of the "strong and time-tested friendship" between the two nations. “Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship,” he posted on X. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials were also present.

In a key meeting with former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for the island nation’s growth through capacity building and developmental initiatives. He praised Nasheed as a consistent proponent of a stronger India-Maldives relationship.

“Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship,” Modi shared on X, also highlighting Maldives as a vital pillar of India’s regional vision.

Further bolstering parliamentary ties, PM Modi met Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla. He welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis as a positive development in bilateral cooperation. Modi emphasized India's ongoing support for institutional and human capacity building in the Maldives.

In his interaction with Vice President Mohamed Latheef, PM Modi discussed strategic sectors such as infrastructure, technology, energy, and climate change. He reiterated that cooperation in these areas directly benefits the citizens of both countries and expressed optimism for deepening collaboration in the years ahead.

This visit, PM Modi’s third to the Maldives after trips in 2018 and 2019, also marked the first by a head of government during the tenure of President Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023.

A number of bilateral agreements were signed on Friday across various sectors, reinforcing mutual development goals. Among the key highlights was the joint release of commemorative stamps by PM Modi and President Muizzu, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations.

In a show of developmental solidarity, PM Modi handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force and immigration authorities. He and President Muizzu also jointly inaugurated critical infrastructure projects, including a roads and drainage system in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other locations.

The visit has been widely seen as a strategic and diplomatic success, sending a strong message of continuity, cooperation, and mutual respect between India and the Maldives.