PM Modi Meets Maldives’ Former President Mohamed Nasheed; Reaffirms Support For Capacity Building

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant meeting with Maldives’ former President Mohamed Nasheed on Saturday, reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to supporting the island nation through capacity building and developmental cooperation.

PM Modi acknowledged Nasheed’s longstanding role as a passionate advocate for strengthening the India-Maldives relationship.

Emphasising the importance of the partnership, PM Modi said the Maldives remains a vital pillar within India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader Mahasagar vision.

In a post on X, Modi stated, “Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation.”

Strengthening Parliamentary Ties

Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi met Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis, the Maldivian Parliament.

The discussion focused on the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and their growing parliamentary cooperation.

PM Modi welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis as a positive step for bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Modi posted on X, “Met Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis. Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments. The formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis is a welcome step for bilateral ties. India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives.”

PM Modi also held a meeting with Maldives Vice President Mohamed Latheef, where they discussed the key pillars of the India-Maldives partnership.

Their talks covered collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, climate change, and energy, all of which significantly benefit both countries.

Following the meeting, PM Modi shared, “Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come.”

Marking 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations

PM Modi’s current visit to the Maldives is his third official trip to the island nation and the first by an Indian Head of State or Government during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure, which began in November 2023.

Arriving on Friday, PM Modi’s two-day state visit follows his official trip to the United Kingdom.

Several agreements across diverse sectors were signed during the visit, reinforcing the strong bilateral partnership, as confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi and President Muizzu jointly released commemorative stamps marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives.

Further affirming the close ties, PM Modi and President Muizzu inaugurated and handed over several major projects, including:

• 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale were developed under India’s Buyers’ Credit facilities
• Road and drainage system projects in Addu City
• Six High-Impact Community Development Projects
• 72 vehicles and equipment were handed over to the Maldivian authorities
• Two BHISHM Health Cube units delivered
• Inauguration of the Ministry of Defence building in Male

These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to the Maldives’ socio-economic development and sustainable growth.

Also Read: PM Modi Meets Maldives Vice President And Parliamentary Speaker During State Visit