PM Modi ‘deeply honoured' to attend Maldives' Independence day event: ‘Productive talks with President Muizzu will…'
The event was organised at the Republic Square in Male, where President Mohamed Muizzu and several ministers of the country welcomed PM Modi as the Guest of Honour.
After attending the event, PM Modi expressed on X that he was 'deeply honoured' to have witnessed the celebrations. 'The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations,' the post read.
In another post, he also said that the relationship between the two countries continues to grow and that it is shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors.
'India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet,' he added.
During the 5-minute event, PM Modi was seen sitting next to Muizzu. The event featured a military parade and cultural performances by children and other artists.
The top political and military brass of the Maldives were also present at the event.
Members of PM Modi's delegation, including external affairs minister S Jaishankar and foreign secretary Vikram Misri, attended the event too, PTI reported.
PM Modi's visit to the island nation marks a significant step towards improving the India-Maldives relations after a brief period of tension as Mohamed Muizzu, known for his 'pro-China' leanings, came to power while running an 'India Out' campaign.
He adopted a policy aimed at strengthening relations with China and in a way reducing dependence on India, Mint reported earlier.
However, in recent years, bilateral ties have been reset through what experts call a pragmatic approach. Muizzu visited India in October last year, and now PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Maldives.
'The Maldives will not do anything that would harm India's security interests. We value India's role as a close neighbour and friend,' President Muizzu said during the visit, marking a sharp departure from his earlier 'India-Out' campaign.
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