From 'India Out' to India In. India-Maldives ties come a long way with PM's visit to Male
long way with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State visit to the Indian Ocean island nation which
concluded today.
Prime Minister Modi who arrived in the Maldivian capital Male yesterday on a two-day State visit, was the Guest of Honour at Maldives 60th Independence Day marking a ''milestone'' in bilateral ties between the two countries, an official spokesman said. This year also marks 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister attended the Independence Day celebrations in Maldives. Prime Minister Modi is also the first foreign leader at the level of Head of State or Government to be hosted by President Muizzu. Ironically, President Muizzu had won the elections mainly on ''India Out'' campaign. His three Ministers had criticised Prime Minister Modi which resulted in a tailspin in relations between the two countries.
The two leaders held discussions in a restricted format yesterday which were followed by delegation-level talks.
The two countries signed three Agreements and four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) after the delegation-level talks including on initiating discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
India also extended a Rs 4850 crore Line of Credit to the Maldives which would be utilised to develop priority sectors including Defence, health and housing. Both leaders inaugurated the Maldives Defence Ministry building in male and released a postage stamp commemorating 60 years of establishment of di0plomattic relations between the two countries.
President Muizzu who hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi yesterday, described him as a ''wonderful person.'' ''He is a wonderful person who is very fond of building relationships between India's neighbours. The Maldives and India have a very good relationship that goes back centuries, and with PM Modi's leadership, cooperation between the two governments is going to be even more prosperous in the days ahead."
Asked whether he would visit India this year, President Muizzu said "I hope so. I don't know whether this year or not, but maybe in the near future."
On India's role in Maldives development he said "We all have seen how India has helped the Maldives in the past, and nobody will doubt how India will be a very crucial partner going forward."
In a 'U' turn from his earlier stand of cozying up with China, President Muizzu said it is not his Government's policy to allow any foreign country take the lead in his affairs and every square inch of Maldives territory will be safeguarded by Maldivians. He was addressing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) on his country's 60th Independence Day. This is the first time in Maldives history that a Maldivian Head of State has addressed both forces at a joint ceremonial gathering.
Referring to the vast maritime domain of the Maldives, he said that despite the country's relatively small population, it is Maldivians themselves who will bear the responsibility of defending and securing the nation's territory.
"I extend heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his State Visit to the Maldives. We held fruitful discussions, witnessed the exchange of four MoUs and three agreements in vital areas, and announced the launch of FTA negotiations."
"Together, we celebrated the Maldives' 60th Independence Day, released a commemorative stamp marking 60 years of formal ties, and inaugurated key development projects under Indian assistance," President Muizzu said on X.
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