Male: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday as the Guest of Honour at Republic Square in Male. He joined Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed in commemorating the historic occasion, marked by a ceremonial gun salute, national anthem, and cultural performances by children.
PM Modi’s visit highlighted the enduring friendship between India and the Maldives, reinforced through a series of high-level meetings and bilateral engagements. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister met leaders from various Maldivian political parties, noting that their cross-party participation reflects strong bipartisan support for the “time-tested and robust” relationship between the two nations.
“Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives,” PM Modi posted on X. “The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership.”
The Prime Minister also held discussions with former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, assuring him of India’s continued support in development and capacity-building efforts. “He has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship,” Modi posted, reaffirming Maldives as a key partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Mahasagar (Indian Ocean) vision.
PM Modi later met with People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, welcoming the creation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group and reiterating India’s commitment to parliamentary and institutional cooperation.
In a separate meeting with Maldivian Vice President Mohamed Latheef, both leaders discussed key areas of collaboration such as infrastructure, climate change, energy, and technology. “Our nations continue to work closely in sectors that are greatly beneficial to our people,” Modi noted on X.
This visit, Modi’s third to the Maldives (following trips in 2018 and 2019), is also the first by any Head of State or Government under President Muizzu’s administration, which began in November 2023. The two-day state visit concluded with the signing of several bilateral agreements across multiple sectors.
To commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties, PM Modi and President Muizzu jointly released a set of special stamps. They also inaugurated key development projects, including a roads and drainage system in Addu City and six High-Impact Community Development Projects across other regions. India also handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities.
Speaking at the state banquet hosted in his honour, PM Modi said, “Last year, President Muizzu visited India on a State Visit. Now, I am honoured to be the first State Guest of his presidency. Arriving here as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives is a matter of great pride for me.”
He extended heartfelt greetings to the Maldivian people on behalf of India, underscoring the deep-rooted and forward-looking partnership between the two nations.
