Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at Republic Square in Male on Friday as he began a two-day state visit to the Maldives.
PM Modi arrived in Male from the United Kingdom earlier in the day, where he was received at the airport by President Muizzu in a special gesture.
Senior members of the Maldivian Cabinet, including the Foreign, Defence, Finance, and Homeland Security Ministers, were also present.
Taking to X, PM Modi said: “Landed in Male. Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India–Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come.”
As part of the vibrant reception, children performed a traditional classical dance at the Kurumba Village Resort, where PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian community. Chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ echoed through the venue as he met children and signed paintings made by them.
“I painted this with the help of my mother. Honestly, I didn’t believe he would actually give his autograph. But when he signed it, it was such an overwhelming feeling! I was so excited, I just started dancing,” said a child following her interaction with the Prime Minister.
Sharing photos of the event on X, PM Modi said on X: “The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in furthering friendship between India and the Maldives. Happy to have interacted with members of the diaspora and I thank them for the warm welcome.”
The Prime Minister will attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday as the Guest of Honour. This marks Modi’s third visit to the island nation and the first by any head of state or government since President Muizzu assumed office.
The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the India–Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
India has consistently positioned itself as the first responder to the Maldives in times of need, including during natural disasters and other crises. “This joint vision has become the guiding framework for our ties,” Misri said, noting that 2025 has already seen several high-level exchanges, including nearly half a dozen ministerial visits from the Maldives.
IANS