By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a meeting with members of several political parties of the Maldives on the second day of his visit to the island nation and said the participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the ”strong and time-tested” friendship between the two countries.
He arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day state visit after concluding his visit to the UK.
Modi said on post X, “Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. 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.”
He held a meeting with Maldives’ former President Mohamed Nasheed on Saturday and assured him of New Delhi’s support for Male through capacity building and developmental cooperation.
Modi said Nasheed has always been a strong advocate of “deeper friendship” between the nations.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed.
He has always been a strong advocate of a 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 the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation.”
PM also met People’s Majlis Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla and expressed India’s commitment to supporting capacity building in the Maldives.
Modi termed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis a “welcome step” for bilateral ties.
“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 said in a post on X.
Modi also held a meeting with the Maldives Vice President, Mohamed Latheef.
They spoke about key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship.
Modi, in a post on X, said, “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.”
He said, “India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Maldives holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy… This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity.”
President Mohamed Muizzu praised PM Modi’s leadership and reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the Maldives.
“India has long stood as the Maldives’s closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens,” Muizzu said.
