What Did PM Modi Discuss with Political Leaders in the Maldives?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Meeting with political leaders underscores bipartisan support for India-Maldives friendship.
- Focus on capacity building and development cooperation during discussions.
- Formation of India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group marks a positive step.
- Joint release of commemorative stamps celebrates 60 years of diplomatic ties.
- PM Modi's visit reinforces India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
Male, July 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with representatives from various political parties of the Maldives on Saturday. He highlighted that the engagement of leaders from across the political spectrum signifies the bipartisan support for the robust and enduring friendship between the two nations.
In attendance were External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other officials.
“I had a constructive meeting with members of different political parties in the Maldives. The involvement of leaders from various political backgrounds underscores the bipartisan support for the enduring India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this significant partnership,” PM Modi shared on X.
Earlier that day, PM Modi met with former President Mohamed Nasheed and assured him of New Delhi’s commitment to supporting Male through capacity-building and developmental cooperation.
PM Modi mentioned that Nasheed has consistently been a strong proponent of a deeper friendship between India and the Maldives.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “I met with former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always championed a closer India-Maldives friendship. We discussed how the Maldives will always be a crucial element of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Mahasagar vision. India will continue its support for the Maldives through capacity building and development cooperation.”
PM Modi also engaged with People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, reinforcing India’s commitment to assisting capacity building in the Maldives. He described the establishment of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis as a “positive development” for bilateral relations.
“I met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis. We discussed the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close ties between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for bilateral ties. India remains dedicated to supporting capacity building in the Maldives,” PM Modi shared on X.
On Saturday, PM Modi met with Maldives Vice President Mohamed Latheef. The two leaders discussed essential pillars of the India-Maldives friendship.
After the meeting, PM Modi tweeted, “Our discussion revolved around key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to collaborate closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy, and more. This collaboration is immensely beneficial for our people, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership in the upcoming years.”
PM Modi arrived in Maldives on Friday for a two-day state visit following his trip to the UK. This marks Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to the Maldives — he previously visited in 2018 and 2019 — and is the inaugural visit by a Head of State or Government during Mohamed Muizzu’s presidency that commenced in November 2023.
During PM Modi's visit to Male at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements across various sectors were finalized, reaffirming the bilateral cooperation between India and the Maldives, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
PM Modi and President Muizzu jointly released commemorative stamps to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. The two leaders also virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other regions.
Prime Minister Modi handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Immigration authorities.