Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on a two-day state visit, his first overseas travel after his re-election in the just concluded parliamentary elections.
“Friendship forever. PM Narendra Modi arrived in Male, capital of Maldives to a warm reception by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. PM was last here for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih‘s inauguration ceremony in November 2018,” MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Breaking protocol President of Maldives Mr Solih also welcomed the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Modi was given a ceremonial guard of honour.
Earlier in the day in a missive, the MEA spokesman said: “PM Narendra Modi embarks on his first visit after re-election, to close maritime neighbours Maldives and Sri Lanka on 8 & 9 June. PM’s engagements will include meetings with the political leadership in both countries”.
The government of India is well geared up for multiple sector support and cooperation – right from building a cricket stadium to coastal vigil radar system – with the Maldives.
Modi and the Maldives President Solih will be inaugurating a coastal surveillance radar system and a Comprehensive Training Centre (CTC) for Maldives national forces as part of a joint defence cooperation pact.
The Prime Minister will also address Maldives parliament, People’s Majlis. Modi will reach Sri Lanka on Sunday.
