New Delhi: In a robust image of renewed cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the enduring bond between India and the Maldives throughout a state banquet in Malé on Friday, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Through the banquet, hosted in PM Modi’s honour, President Muizzu mirrored on the shared historical past between the 2 nations. “This yr marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that displays not solely our shared historical past but additionally the depth and resilience of our partnership,” he mentioned. “But, the bond between our folks predates diplomatic formalities. For hundreds of years, the Indian Ocean has witnessed our exchanges as merchants, travellers, and neighbours. At present, it continues to unite us with ties that no tide can break.”
The banquet marked a big second in bilateral diplomacy, with PM Modi changing into the primary state visitor of President Muizzu’s tenure. Modi was additionally current because the Visitor of Honour on the Maldives’ sixtieth Independence Day celebrations, an honour he described as “deeply significant.”
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi mentioned, “Maldives holds a particular place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ coverage. This relationship is not only about diplomacy; it is a bond of deep affinity.” He famous that this yr additionally marks the sixtieth anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations, a symbolic and well timed coincidence.
Modi emphasised the historic and cultural hyperlinks that proceed to outline the India-Maldives relationship. “Our shared heritage is as outdated because the monsoon and as candy as Addu Bondi,” he mentioned, drawing a cultural connection. “A number of phrases in Dhivehi have come from Indian languages. Our tastes, although totally different, are remarkably related.”
Highlighting the rising people-to-people ties, Modi shared that the 1 millionth vacationer to the Maldives this yr was an Indian, underscoring the rising engagement between the residents of each nations.
President Muizzu praised Modi’s management and congratulated him for changing into India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister. He additionally thanked the Indian authorities for its continued assist within the Maldives’ financial and growth journey. “India has been a real accomplice and co-passenger on each flip of the Maldives’ growth path,” Muizzu mentioned, acknowledging India’s assist in infrastructure, capability constructing, and regional safety.
Reaffirming the Maldives’ dedication to constructing a dynamic, inclusive economic system and making certain regional peace, President Muizzu mentioned India’s function is pivotal in realising these aspirations.
PM Modi echoed that sentiment. “Our relationship thrives on goodwill and mutual belief,” he mentioned. “We’re colleagues within the World South. At present, we’ve reiterated our dedication to a vibrant future collectively, in commerce, safety, and sustainable growth.”
The official banquet was attended by prime dignitaries from each nations, together with Maldivian Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the Individuals’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Particular Envoy Mohamed Waheed Hassan, and India’s Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, together with senior officers from each governments.
This go to marks Prime Minister Modi’s first journey to the Maldives since starting his third time period in workplace.