PM Modi at Maldives Independence Day celebrations with President Muizzu
Also read | From 'India out' to '21-gun salute' for Modi: Downs, ups of India-Maldives ties
Modi later posted 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,' his post read.
India has decided to extend a $565 million line of credit to the Maldives, the PM said. A free trade agreement between the two countries is in the works, he added.
Modi's visit marks a significant reset in India-Maldives relations after a brief spiral as Mohamed Muizzu came to power while running an 'India Out' campaign. Muizzu had sought to get closer to China instead.
Also read | Why Modi's Maldives visit matters
But diplomatic initiatives have brought the equation back on track, according to Indian officials. Muizzu visited India in October last year, and now Modi made the two-day visit — the first by any foreign leader since Muizzu came to power — that concludes on Saturday.
Speaking to the press, President Muizzu described Modi as 'a wonderful person', and said: "The Maldives and India have a very good relationship that goes back centuries. With PM Modi's leadership, cooperation between the two governments is going to be even more prosperous in the days ahead."
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