Latest news with #AdduBondi
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Deep As Ocean: PM Modi, Muizzu Affirm Centuries-Old Maldives-India Relation Amidst Reset
New Delhi: In a powerful symbol of renewed cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the enduring bond between India and the Maldives during a state banquet in Malé on Friday, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. During the banquet, hosted in PM Modi's honour, President Muizzu reflected on the shared history between the two nations. 'This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that reflects not only our shared history but also the depth and resilience of our partnership,' he said. 'Yet, the bond between our people predates diplomatic formalities. For centuries, the Indian Ocean has witnessed our exchanges as traders, travellers, and neighbours. Today, it continues to unite us with ties that no tide can break.' The banquet marked a significant moment in bilateral diplomacy, with PM Modi becoming the first state guest of President Muizzu's tenure. Modi was also present as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, an honour he described as 'deeply meaningful.' Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This relationship is not just about diplomacy; it's a bond of deep affinity.' He noted that this year also marks the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations, a symbolic and timely coincidence. Modi emphasised the historical and cultural links that continue to define the India-Maldives relationship. 'Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi,' he said, drawing a cultural connection. 'Several words in Dhivehi have come from Indian languages. Our tastes, though different, are remarkably similar.' Highlighting the growing people-to-people ties, Modi shared that the 1 millionth tourist to the Maldives this year was an Indian, underscoring the rising engagement between the citizens of both nations. President Muizzu praised Modi's leadership and congratulated him for becoming India's second-longest-serving Prime Minister. He also thanked the Indian government for its continued support in the Maldives' economic and development journey. 'India has been a true partner and co-passenger on every turn of the Maldives' development path,' Muizzu said, acknowledging India's support in infrastructure, capacity building, and regional security. Reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to building a dynamic, inclusive economy and ensuring regional peace, President Muizzu said India's role is pivotal in realising those aspirations. PM Modi echoed that sentiment. 'Our relationship thrives on goodwill and mutual trust,' he said. 'We are colleagues in the Global South. Today, we have reiterated our commitment to a bright future together, in trade, security, and sustainable development.' The official banquet was attended by top dignitaries from both nations, including Maldivian Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Special Envoy Mohamed Waheed Hassan, and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with senior officials from both governments. This visit marks Prime Minister Modi's first trip to the Maldives since beginning his third term in office.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Centuries Old Relations, Key In Neighbourhood 1st Policy": PM On India-Maldives Ties
Male: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the close ties between India and the Maldives during an official banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male. Emphasising the depth of the bilateral relationship, PM Modi 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." He reflected on the continuity of recent high-level engagements, saying, "Last year, the President visited India on a State Visit. Now, I have received the opportunity to be the first State Guest of his tenure." Marking the significance of the occasion, he added, "Arriving here as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives is an honour for me. For this invitation, I express my gratitude to the President. On behalf of all the people of India, I extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the Maldives." He noted that this visit comes at a symbolic moment for both nations. "This year, the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations is also being celebrated. This happy coincidence -- the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives relations -- has made my visit even more special," PM Modi said. Underscoring the civilisational and cultural bonds, he remarked, "Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi. Our languages reflect the depth of our culture. Several words in Dhivehi have come from India... Our tastes are also similar... Absolutely perfect despite being different." He also emphasised the strength of people-to-people ties between the two countries, saying, "The loving relations that have been formed between the people of our two nations for centuries are ever strong even today... Your tourist number 10 lakh this year turned out to be an Indian." Reflecting the warmth of the occasion, President Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Prime Minister Modi for completing 4,078 consecutive days in office, making him the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms -- surpassing the record previously held by former PM Indira Gandhi. Speaking at the official banquet hosted in honour of PM Modi during his two-day visit to the Maldives, Muizzu praised the Prime Minister's leadership. "First of all, let me convey my heartiest congratulations to Your Excellency on becoming the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India today," Muizzu said. "This remarkable milestone, 4078 consecutive days in office, is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people," he added. Notably, PM Modi is the first non-Congress Prime Minister to mark this achievement. Additionally, Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister born after independence and the longest-serving from a non-Hindi state. Narendra Modi, 74, took oath as Prime Minister for the first time on May 26, 2014 and has served a total of 11 years and 60 days in office till date. The erstwhile Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had served for 11 years and 59 days in office in consecutive terms. She held the highest office as Prime Minister of India from January 24, 1966, to March 24, 1977. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, holds the record for the longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms, spanning 16 years and 286 days, from August 15, 1947, to May 27, 1964. The first Prime Minister born after India's independence, Prime Minister Modi, has previously served as the Prime Minister of India from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2024. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu, where he held a bilateral meeting with Muizzu and announced several agreements to boost cooperation in trade, agriculture, health, and social welfare, providing the South Asian nation with an extra push in its development journey.
