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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu, after which he was formally welcomed in Male. The journey is considered important to remove the recent bitterness in India-Maldives relations and improve relations between the two countries. PM Modi will also attend the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives and will inaugurate India-helped development projects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu. Soon after, he was formally welcomed at the Republic Square of the capital Male. The Prime Minister was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Egypt and other senior government officials. Prime Minister Modi reached Maldives on Friday after the conclusion of his two -day visit to the United Kingdom (UK). The historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed between the two countries during this visit. On reaching Maldives, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Muizzu and traditional dance was performed by the children.
Also read this: PM Modi Maldives Visit: PM Modi participated in Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations with President Mujju, Special Guard of Honor
Why is Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives important?
The Prime Minister’s visit to Maldives is considered important because the relations between New Delhi and Male had deteriorated in the last few years during Muizzu’s rule. However, his visit is expected to melt the snow between the two countries. Recently, former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s two-day Maldives visit and expressed happiness that the relations between New Delhi and Male were slowly improving. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Shahid said that Prime Minister Modi’s visit is beyond symbolism as it is taking place on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Maldives. He told ANI, “This is beyond symbolism as a very unfortunate diplomatic tension has arisen between Maldives and India recently, as the statements that the present government had during the elections is unfortunate. It is important to tell that Prime Minister Modi will be the chief guest in the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on 26 July. In addition, he will also inaugurated several development projects in Maldives.
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