 "PM Modi lands in Maldives to chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’; Muizzu welcomes him at airport")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the Maldives on Friday, embarking on a two-day visit to the island nation. The visit came after he concluded his trip to the United Kingdom, where he inked the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
The prime minister’s visit to the Maldives is significant, as it marks his first since bilateral ties were strained by the “India Out” campaign led by some Maldivian leaders and President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China tilt.
Upon arrival, the prime minister was received by the Maldivian president, the country’s defence minister, and the foreign and finance ministers. The Maldivian Minister of Homeland Security was also present at the airport in Malé.
Chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ echo the skies of the Maldives
Members of the Indian diaspora were eagerly waiting for the prime minister to welcome him with open arms. After PM Modi’s aircraft landed in the Maldives, he received a traditional welcome from Maldivian artists.
Apart from this, chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mataa Ki Jai” echoed the skies of the island nation. What makes the grand reception of the Indian prime minister interesting is the fact that it was happening on the soil where Muizzu allied politicians were propagating the “India Out” campaign.
PM Modi’s invitation to the island nation came at the invitation of Muizzu. During his visit, the Indian premier will be attending the 60th National Day celebrations as the chief guest. He is also visiting on the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.
“A landmark visit to the UK concludes, elevating the India-UK trade and economic ties to new heights. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for the second leg of his tour—Maldives,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated on X before the touchdown by the prime minister.
Impact Shorts
View AllThe visit not only aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, but it also reaffirms India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in the Indian Ocean region.
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