Indian Prime Minister His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi concluded a two-day official state visit to the Maldives, reaffirming India’s deep and enduring partnership with the island nation. The visit, held at the invitation of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, coincided with the dual celebration of the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India.
Upon arrival on Friday morning at Velana International Airport (VIA), Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome from President Muizzu and senior Maldivian officials. A ceremonial reception followed in Malé, complete with traditional honours and cultural performances, reflecting the respect and importance attached to the bilateral relationship.
Central to the visit were official discussions at the President’s Office, during which Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu held extensive talks focused on enhancing cooperation across critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic development, defence, and climate resilience. The two leaders witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements, laying the foundation for expanded joint initiatives.
Among the highlights was the joint virtual inauguration of key development projects, including infrastructure enhancements, housing projects, and roadwork initiatives. The leaders also took part in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Sultan Park, where Prime Minister Modi planted a mango tree and President Muizzu planted a sea putat tree, symbolising the shared environmental responsibility and long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Demonstrating India’s continued support for Maldives’ healthcare sector, Prime Minister Modi gifted two Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes—portable emergency medical units equipped with intensive care, surgical, and diagnostic capabilities. These facilities will be managed by the Maldives Emergency Medical Service and are designed to strengthen the country’s rapid response capacity during public health emergencies and natural disasters.
The Prime Minister and President also inaugurated the Dhoshimeyna Building, the newly developed 10-storey headquarters of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), constructed with Indian assistance. This facility is expected to enhance the administrative and operational capabilities of the MNDF, particularly the Coast Guard, and reflects the countries’ growing defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
A state banquet was hosted at the official residence by President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed in honour of Prime Minister Modi. The event was attended by senior government officials, members of the visiting Indian delegation, and dignitaries, reinforcing the spirit of mutual respect and shared progress. During the banquet, President Muizzu praised India’s continued support and described the Maldives–India relationship as a bond built on shared history and enduring trust.
Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Modi, where discussions focused on enhancing youth empowerment, healthcare partnerships, and capacity-building efforts.
Before concluding his visit, Prime Minister Modi joined President Muizzu and the First Lady to observe a ceremonial military parade, held as part of the 60th Independence Day celebrations, a public demonstration of national pride and resilience that further reflected the unity and shared values between the two nations.
This was Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the Maldives since assuming office for a third term, and the outcomes of the trip underscored the mutual commitment to strengthening the Maldives–India partnership through strategic development, regional cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
For foreign tourists and investors, these enhanced ties signal continued progress in national development, improved public infrastructure and services, and a stable, secure environment, making the Maldives not only a top-tier travel destination but also a country anchored in strong regional partnerships.
advertisment
advertisment
