Male: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Republic Square in the Maldives capital Male. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was also accompanied by the PM at the ceremony.
The Prime Minister also received a 21-gun salute at the ceremonial welcome in the Maldives. National anthems of India and Maldives were also played at the Republic Square.
Meanwhile, the Maldives' Ministry of Defence even put PM Modi's picture on its building to honour the Indian Prime Minister.
PM Modi then held a bilateral meeting with the Maldivian President.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in Male for a two-day visit. At the airport, the Prime Minister received a red carpet welcome. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu received PM Modi. Apart from Muizzu, the Maldives Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security were also present at the airport to receive PM Modi.
PM Modi's photo at the Ministry of Defence building in Male | X/@ANI
PM Modi was welcomed with a traditional Indian dance performance. Many held up Indian flags and posters of PM Modi, and performed traditional Indian dances as part of the welcome. This is Prime Minister Modi's third visit to the Maldives
Notably, PM Modi is visiting the nation on the invitation of Muizzu. His visit coincides with the Maldives' 60th Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The Prime Minister will be the chief guest of the island nation's Independence Day celebrations.
The Prime Minister's visit also aims to reinforce bilateral ties and showcase India's commitment to its "Neighbourhood First" policy.
Before departing for the Maldives, PM Modi concluded a "landmark" visit to the United Kingdom, where he signed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and engaged in high-level talks to strengthen economic and trade ties.
