PM Modi Receives Ceremonial Welcome & Guard Of Honour In Maldives

PM Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at Republic Square in Malé on Friday, marking the beginning of his two-day state visit to the Maldives.

President Mohamed Muizzu was present during the official welcome.

Earlier, President Muizzu personally greeted PM Modi at Malé airport in a special gesture of hospitality. Maldives’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, and Homeland Security also joined the welcoming delegation.

PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the gesture, stating, “Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me.”

Children Perform Cultural Dance; PM Modi Interacts with Community

Children performed a vibrant traditional dance to welcome the Prime Minister at the ceremonial venue, followed by a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

At the Kurumba Village Resort, children once again greeted PM Modi with classical dance performances and handed him paintings they had made.

PM Modi met the young artists and autographed their work. One excited child shared, “I painted this with the help of my mother. I didn’t believe he would sign it, but when he did, I was so happy I started dancing.”

Indian Diaspora Greets PM Modi with Chants of ‘Vande Mataram’

Chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ echoed as members of the Indian diaspora warmly welcomed PM Modi. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude and shared glimpses of the interaction on X, writing, “The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in furthering friendship between India and the Maldives. Happy to have interacted with members of the diaspora and I thank them for the warm welcome.”

PM Modi will attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour on Saturday. This marks his third visit to the Maldives and the first official state visit by any foreign head of government since President Muizzu assumed office.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised the strategic importance of the visit, saying, “This visit will consolidate the strong ties and contribute to peace, prosperity, and security in the Indian Ocean Region.”

Leaders to Review Progress Under Joint Vision Partnership

PM Modi and President Muizzu will assess the progress of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ which was adopted during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.

“We’ve always been the first to respond to the Maldives in times of crisis, whether natural or man-made,” Misri noted. “This joint vision now serves as the guiding framework for our relations.”

He added that the relationship has seen frequent high-level exchanges, with nearly half a dozen Maldivian ministerial visits to India already this year, including a visit by the Maldives Parliament Speaker.

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