PM Modi highlights deep India-Maldives ties during visit, marks diplomatic and historic milestones
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During a state banquet hosted in his honour by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the enduring and multifaceted ties between India and the Maldives.
PM Modi called the relationship "centuries old," said, “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.”
This marks PM Modi’s first official visit to the island nation since President Muizzu assumed office.
He noted the continuity in high-level engagement, recalling, “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.”
The visit was symbolically significant, coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day as well as the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. “This happy coincidence... has made my visit even more special,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi reflected on the cultural and historical connections that bind the two nations, saying, “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 further underscored strong people-to-people ties, pointing out, “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.”
President Muizzu, in his address, congratulated PM Modi for achieving a significant milestone in Indian political history - completing 4,078 consecutive days in office. “This remarkable milestone... is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people,” he said.
Modi, 74, is now the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record of 11 years and 59 days. Only Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, served longer with a tenure of 16 years and 286 days.
PM Modi, who first took office on May 26, 2014, also holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Prime Minister from a non-Hindi-speaking state and the first born after India’s independence.
During his two-day visit, Modi held bilateral talks with President Muizzu and announced a range of agreements to strengthen collaboration in trade, health, agriculture, and social welfare. These initiatives aim to support the Maldives in its broader development agenda.
