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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef on Saturday as part of his ongoing state visit to the Maldives.

He also held talks with Parliamentary Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

The trip, made at the request of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, is PM Modi’s first official visit to the island nation since beginning his third term in office.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will likely engage with members of the Indian community based in the Maldives.

On Friday, India and the Maldives formalised a series of agreements covering multiple areas of cooperation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), these Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) reflect the breadth and strength of the bilateral relationship.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “An indication of how strong, deep rooted and extensive the India-Maldives friendship is!”

Commemorating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations

A key moment during the visit was the unveiling of joint commemorative stamps by PM Modi and President Muizzu to mark 60 years since diplomatic relations were first established between the two countries.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the symbolic value of the gesture, pointing to a long-standing spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

At a formal banquet held in honour of the Prime Minister, President Muizzu spoke of the deep-rooted ties that connect the two nations.

“This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that reflects not only our shared history but also the depth and resilience of our partnership. Yet, the bond between our people predates diplomatic formalities. For centuries, the Indian Ocean has been a witness to our shared journey,” Muizzu asserted.

President Muizzu also extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Modi for becoming the second-longest continuously serving Prime Minister in India’s history, acknowledging his influential role in regional diplomacy.

The visit signals a fresh phase in bilateral relations, with leaders on both sides expressing confidence in closer cooperation moving forward.

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