How was PM Modi received with a ceremonial welcome in Maldives?

Male, July 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Republic Square in Male on Friday, marking the beginning of his official activities during a two-day State Visit to the Maldives. The occasion was attended by President Mohamed Muizzu.

As part of the warm reception, children showcased a dance performance to honor PM Modi, followed by a meeting between the two leaders.

In a notable gesture, President Muizzu personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport in Male upon his arrival from the United Kingdom, accompanied by key ministers including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and the Minister of Homeland Security.

PM Modi expressed that he was deeply touched by President Muizzu's thoughtful gesture at the airport. He conveyed his optimism that the relationship between the two nations will reach new levels of success in the near future.

“Landed in Male. I am truly touched by President Muizzu’s gesture to welcome me at the airport. I believe that the India-Maldives friendship will achieve new milestones in the future,” PM Modi shared on X.

During his visit, PM Modi is set to be the Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday. This marks his third visit to the Maldives and is significant as it is the first visit by any head of state since Muizzu took office.

As chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ resonated, PM Modi engaged with members of the Indian community who gathered to welcome him. He interacted with children, signing autographs on their artwork. As part of the cultural display, a traditional classical dance was performed upon PM's arrival at the Kurumba Village Resort.

After meeting PM Modi, one child expressed, “I painted this with my mother’s help. I never imagined he would actually sign it. When he did, it was such an overwhelming feeling! I felt like dancing!”

PM Modi shared snapshots of his engagement with the Indian community on X, stating, “The Indian diaspora is vital in strengthening the friendship between India and the Maldives. I am grateful for their warm welcome.”

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that PM Modi’s visit is expected to further solidify the strong ties between the two countries, enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

“Our relationship with the Maldives is comprehensive and multifaceted, receiving attention from the highest leadership levels. We believe this visit will further strengthen our ties and contribute to stability in the IOR,” Foreign Secretary Misri remarked during a media briefing.

The leaders will also review the progress of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,' established during the Maldives President’s State Visit to India in October 2024.

“We have always been the first to respond to the Maldives in times of crisis, whether natural or man-made. Our political relationship is robust, supported by consistent high-level visits,” Misri added.

“This joint vision serves as a guiding framework for our relationship. In the current year alone, we have seen numerous ministerial-level visits from the Maldives. The Speaker of the Maldives Parliament visited India, and the first engagement this year for the External Affairs Minister was with the Maldives' Foreign Minister,” he concluded.