‘Strengthen Long-Standing Relations’: Ex-Maldives President Gayoom Greets PM Modi
Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Friday warmly greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day official trip to the island nation.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gayoom shared an old photograph from a previous meeting with PM Modi and expressed his hope that the visit would further reinforce the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and collaboration between India and the Maldives.
“A heartfelt welcome to Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) on your visit to the Maldives. It is indeed a great honour and pleasure to have you in our country. May this visit deepen the time-honoured ties of friendship, understanding, and partnership between our two countries,” he posted.
PM Modi’s Trip to Maldives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Malé’s Velana International Airport on Friday for a two-day official visit to the Maldives.
In a significant gesture, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu personally received PM Modi at the airport upon his arrival from the United Kingdom. Maldives’ Foreign Affairs Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security were also present to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.
PM Modi is visiting the Maldives on President Muizzu’s invitation to attend the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. India was among the earliest nations to recognise the Maldives’ independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic ties.
The Indian Prime Minister was given a ceremonial welcome and honoured with a guard of honour at Republic Square in Malé. President Muizzu was present alongside PM Modi as the national anthems of both nations were played.
As part of the honour, PM Modi was accorded a 21-gun salute. Children performed traditional dances during the ceremony.
Later, PM Modi held meetings with Maldivian Cabinet ministers and top officials at Republic Square.
Meanwhile, a large image of Prime Minister Modi was displayed on the Ministry of Defence building in the capital.
This marks PM Modi’s third official visit to the Maldives and notably the first by any foreign head of state or government during President Muizzu’s administration.
