Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's swearing-in ceremony today in the island-nation.
Just a day before his scheduled visit, Prime Minister Modi had written a post on Facebook, saying "I am delighted to visit Male, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, our close and friendly neighbour, to attend the historic Inauguration Ceremony of President-elect H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih."
He further congratulated Solih and added that the recent elections in the island nation "represents the collective aspirations of the people of the Republic of Maldives for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future".
"India and Maldives share a strong partnership rooted in history, strong bonds between our peoples, and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. My Government's vision of inclusive development 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' extends to all our neighbours too. We in India strongly desire to see a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," Prime Minister Modi wrote.
"I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr Solih the desire of my Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity, and human resource development," he mentioned while reaffirming his faith that his visit will "herald a new era of even closer exchanges and cooperation between our two countries."
Solih emerged victorious in the high-octane elections held in the island nation on September 23 this year which saw the ouster of outgoing president Abdulla Yameen.