Did PM Modi Attend Maldives Independence Day Celebrations as Guest of Honour?

Male, July 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the Maldives Independence Day festivities as the Guest of Honour at Republic Square in Male on Saturday. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were also in attendance.

The celebrations commenced with a ceremonial gun salute and the national anthem of the Maldives. Young performers showcased their talent through traditional dances during the event.

Earlier that day, PM Modi engaged with various political party leaders in the Maldives. He remarked that the diverse participation of leaders reflects the bipartisan support for the “strong and time-tested friendship” shared between the two nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other officials were also part of the discussions.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “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. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership.”

PM Modi also met with former President Mohamed Nasheed, assuring him of India's ongoing support for capacity building and developmental cooperation in the Maldives. He acknowledged Nasheed’s advocacy for a “deeper friendship” between India and the Maldives.

In another X post, PM Modi shared, “Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation.”

PM Modi also held discussions with People's Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, emphasizing India's commitment to capacity building in the Maldives. He described the establishment of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis as a “welcome step” for enhancing bilateral relations.

In a post on X, he remarked, “Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship 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 committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives.”

On Saturday, PM Modi met with Maldives' Vice President Mohamed Latheef, discussing essential aspects of the India-Maldives friendship.

Following their talks, PM Modi tweeted, “Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come.”

PM Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day state visit, following his trip to the UK. This marks the Prime Minister's third visit to the Maldives, having previously visited in 2018 and 2019. It is also the first visit by a Head of State or Government during President Muizzu's term, which began in November 2023.

During his visit, multiple agreements were signed across various sectors, and PM Modi and President Muizzu jointly released commemorative stamps celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.

The two leaders also inaugurated a roads and drainage project in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other areas. PM Modi also handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and immigration authorities.

During a banquet hosted in his honor by President Muizzu, PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between India and the Maldives, stating, “Last year, the President (Mohamed Muizzu) visited India on a State Visit. Now, I have received the opportunity to be the first State Guest of his tenure.”

Emphasizing the significance of the occasion, he added, “Arriving here as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives is an honour for me. For this invitation, I express my gratitude to the President. On behalf of all the people of India, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the Maldives.”