PM Modi holds talks with Maldives President, focusing on strengthening ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House on Monday.

The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh among other delegates.

In a post on X, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Taking forward India-Maldives special ties! PM Narendra Modi warmly received President Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives as the latter arrived at Hyderabad House. Extensive discussions on India-Maldives bilateral relations lie ahead."

Muizzu who arrived in India on Sunday on a five-day visit was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier today.

 

Taking forward ????????-???????? special ties!

PM @narendramodi warmly received President @MMuizzu of Maldives as the latter arrived at Hyderabad House.

Extensive discussions on ????????-???????? bilateral relations lie ahead. pic.twitter.com/j1ehhEGJJn

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 7, 2024

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Maldivian President and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as they arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Also today, the Maldivian President and First Lady paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. After paying tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, Muizzu also signed the visitors' book at Rajghat.

On Sinday Muizzu upon his arrival was welcomed by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kiriti Vardhan Singh. Muizzu in visiting India on an official invitation by President Droupadi Murmu.

"Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in welcoming the President to India, for the state visit. President Dr Muizzu conveyed his gratitude to the Indian government for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation upon arrival," according to the press release from the President's Office of Maldives.

At the meeting, Jaishankar and Muizzu spoke extensively on fostering and maintaining good ties between the two countries, Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a release.

The two sides reviewed the progress of current initiatives supported by the Government of India and discussed exploring additional avenues that both countries see as mutual benefits in line with the current development priorities of the Maldives.

The Maldivian President, along with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, interacted with the Maldivian community residing in New Delhi as well.