What did PM Modi discuss with Maldives’ former President?

Male, July 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with the former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, on Saturday, where he reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to support Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation.

During their meeting, PM Modi highlighted that Nasheed has consistently been a strong proponent of a closer bond between India and the Maldives.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi remarked, "Had a productive meeting with the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always championed the cause of a deeper friendship between India and Maldives. We discussed how the Maldives will continue to be a vital pillar of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Mahasagar vision. India shall continue to aid the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation."

Previously, PM Modi met with People's Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, expressing India's dedication to enhancing capacity building in the Maldives. PM Modi described the establishment of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis as a positive development for bilateral relations.

"Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People's Majlis. We talked about the long-standing India-Maldives friendship, particularly the close ties between our Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for strengthening bilateral relations. India remains committed to fostering capacity building in the Maldives," PM Modi posted on X.

On the same day, PM Modi also met the Maldives Vice President, Mohamed Latheef, where they discussed the key aspects of the India-Maldives friendship.

Following their discussion, PM Modi shared on X, "Our conversation revolved around the key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our countries continue to collaborate closely in areas like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy, and more. This is immensely beneficial for our people. We are eager to further deepen this partnership in the coming years."

PM Modi arrived in the 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, having previously visited in 2018 and 2019, and it is the first visit by a Head of State or Government during Mohamed Muizzu's Presidency, which commenced in November 2023.

During his visit to Male, on the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements were signed across various sectors on Friday, reinforcing the bilateral partnership between India and the Maldives, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

PM Modi and President Muizzu also jointly launched commemorative stamps marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.

The strengthening of bilateral relations between India and the Maldives was emphasized by PM Modi and President Muizzu by handing over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale, Maldives, under India's Buyers' Credit facilities; inaugurating roads and drainage systems in Addu city; launching 6 High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives; handing over 72 vehicles and other equipment; delivering two BHISHM Health Cube sets; and inaugurating the Ministry of Defence Building in Male.