Did Maldives President Muizzu Welcome PM Modi with a Warm Embrace in Male?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Warm reception by Maldives President Muizzu for PM Modi.
- Significant diplomatic ties between India and Maldives.
- PM Modi's visit contributes to regional security.
- Focus on economic partnership and maritime security.
- Chants of Vande Mataram welcomed PM Modi.
Male, July 24 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a heartfelt hug from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu upon his arrival at Male airport on Friday. Accompanying him were the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security.
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi stated he was "deeply touched" by Muizzu’s warm gesture and voiced his optimism about the future of India-Maldives relations, suggesting they will reach new heights.
"Landed in Male. Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come," PM Modi shared on X.
As PM Modi arrived for a two-day State visit, the chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ resonated around him. This visit, at the invitation of President Muizzu, will see him participating as the Guest of Honour in the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations.
This marks PM Modi’s third trip to the Maldives and notably the first visit by any head of state since Muizzu took office.
On July 22, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned that PM Modi's visit is expected to strengthen the already solid ties between the two nations and promote peace, prosperity, and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
"The relationship with the Maldives is comprehensive and multifaceted. It’s been prioritized by leadership at the highest levels, and we believe this visit by the Prime Minister will further cement these strong ties and enhance peace, prosperity, and security in the IOR," Misri stated during a special media briefing.
The two leaders are set to assess the progress on the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', which was adopted during the visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024.
"We have always been the first to respond to the needs of Maldives in times of crisis, whether natural or man-made. Our robust political relationship has been enhanced by regular high-level visits," Misri added.
"This joint vision has effectively become the guiding framework for our ties. In the first half of this year alone, we have seen nearly six ministerial level visits from the Maldives. The Speaker of the Maldives Parliament visited India, and the first engagement this year by the External Affairs Minister was with the Maldives Foreign Minister," he concluded.