Politics

PM Modi and Maldives President Muizzu discuss strengthening bilateral ties in Delhi

President Muizzu received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi

PGurus Newsdesk

October 7, 2024

President Muizzu received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi

PM Modi meets Maldives President Muizzu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu held crucial bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared the news on social media, stating, “Taking forward India-Maldives special ties! PM Narendra Modi warmly received President Muizzu of Maldives as the latter arrived at Hyderabad House. Extensive discussions on India-Maldives bilateral relations lie ahead.”

Earlier in the day, President Muizzu received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi. Following the welcome, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, highlighting the significance of his visit.

This marks President Muizzu’s first official five-day visit to India since assuming office, at the invitation of President Murmu. He was greeted at Delhi’s airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, along with a high-level delegation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with President Muizzu shortly after his arrival, expressing optimism about the future of India-Maldives relations. “Pleased to call on President Mohamed Muizzu today at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his commitment to enhancing the India-Maldives relationship. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will give a new impetus to our friendly ties,” Jaishankar posted on social media.

During his visit, Muizzu is scheduled to hold meetings with President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other senior officials. Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, the Maldives President will also visit Agra on Tuesday, with plans to engage in business discussions in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Muizzu’s office emphasized his commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with nations critical to the Maldives’ development, ensuring a proactive foreign policy. The discussions aim to strengthen cooperation and further deepen the longstanding relationship between India and the Maldives.

The visit underscores India’s importance in the Maldives’ foreign relations, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting that it is expected to boost cooperation and enhance people-to-people ties between the two countries.

In recent months, India has maintained its role as a key provider of development assistance to the Maldives, despite challenges in the bilateral relationship. Several Indian-funded projects have significantly impacted the lives of many in the island nation, reinforcing India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

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