Male/New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu held talks in restricted format followed by delegation level talks in Male today, which are expected to be followed by the signing of several MoUs and the inauguration of joint initiatives, aimed at advancing cooperation across critical sectors of mutual interest.
The delegation level talks lasted nearly an hour.
PM Modi, who arrived in Male earlier in the day on a two-day state visit, was welcomed by President Muizzu at the Velana International Airport in a special gesture.
PM Modi was extended a guard of honour as part of the ceremonial welcome, in the presence of senior representatives from both governments.
Maldivian officials joined India’s senior-most delegates, underscoring the diplomatic weight of the visit. The reception also featured a cultural performance by students of Majeedhiyaa School.
The visit by PM Modi is his first official visit to the Maldives since assuming office for a third consecutive term and also the first since President Muizzu took office.
PM Modi’s visit comes as the Maldives celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence and also as the two nations mark six decades of formal ties.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote in Dhivehi, expressing his appreciation for being received at the airport by President Muizzu. He reiterated his belief that the bilateral partnership is poised to expand in the days ahead.
“I have arrived in Malé. I am very pleased that President Muizzu was present at the airport to welcome me. I am confident that the relationship between India and the Maldives will ascend to new heights in the coming days,” Prime Minister Modi stated.
PM Modi also engaged with members of the Indian community residing in Malé, who had gathered at the airport to welcome him. “The citizens of India play a crucial role in advancing the friendship between India and the Maldives,” he wrote.
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Indian citizens residing in the Maldives during this visit. I express my gratitude for the warm welcome extended.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi said it is an honour to participate in celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence.
“I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The talks with President Muizzu will certainly add momentum to bilateral ties across diverse sectors,” he wrote.
President Muizzu had first travelled to New Delhi in June last year to attend Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, followed by a state visit in October.
