A formal state banquet was hosted by President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed in honour of the visiting Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi. The event, held during the Indian leader’s official two-day state visit, served as a tribute to the close ties and enduring friendship between the two neighbouring nations.
The banquet, attended by dignitaries from both countries, highlighted the diplomatic significance of the visit, which coincides with two major milestones: the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India.
Distinguished guests included Vice President of the Maldives, His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef; Speaker of the People’s Majlis, His Excellency Abdul Raheem Abdulla; Special Envoy of the President and former President, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan; and India’s External Affairs Minister, His Excellency Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Senior government officials and members of the Indian delegation were also present, underscoring the depth of bilateral engagement.
In his keynote address, President Muizzu praised the strength and resilience of India–Maldives relations, stating that the long-standing bond between the two countries “cannot be weakened.” He emphasized that while formal diplomatic ties were established in 1965, the history of cooperation stretches back centuries, rooted in trade, culture, and shared regional heritage.
Highlighting India’s role in the Maldives’ national development, the President acknowledged India’s contributions in key sectors such as security, healthcare, education, and trade. He also expressed confidence in India’s capacity to support the Maldives in building a sustainable, inclusive, and youth-driven economy, a priority in the country’s long-term strategic agenda.
President Muizzu also recognized Prime Minister Modi’s political leadership, noting that he is now the second longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history, a distinction the President said reflects Prime Minister Modi’s dedication to national service and regional leadership.
The state banquet was held in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual respect, celebrating not only the diplomatic milestones but also the cultural and historical linkages that continue to shape the Maldives–India partnership. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Maldives, his first since beginning his third consecutive term in office, has included a range of high-level engagements, official discussions, and project inaugurations aimed at reinforcing cooperation between the two countries.
The enduring strength of the Maldives–India relationship has been a central theme of this visit, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to deepening collaboration across strategic sectors. From infrastructure development and maritime security to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, the partnership continues to evolve in ways that benefit not only the two nations but the broader Indian Ocean region.
For visitors and international partners, this renewed cooperation ensures continued investment in national infrastructure, social development, and public services, elements that enhance the Maldives’ appeal as a safe, stable, and progressive destination. As the country continues to welcome global travellers, its strong diplomatic ties with regional allies such as India contribute meaningfully to the Maldives’ broader vision of sustainable development and global engagement.
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