Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday released commemorative stamps celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.
Reflecting the long-standing ties between the two nations, the commemorative stamps feature the Indian boat Uru- a large wooden dhow handcrafted in the historic boatyards of Beypore, Kerala-and the traditional Maldivian fishing boat Vadhu Dhoni, as per a release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
These traditional vessels have been part of Indian Ocean maritime trade for centuries. The Vadhu Dhoni, in particular, is still used for reef and coastal fishing in the Maldives and highlights the country’s rich maritime heritage and its deep connection with ocean life.
India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives following its independence in 1965. The release of the stamps serves as a tribute to the historical and cultural bonds that continue to strengthen bilateral relations, the PMO noted.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Commemorating a very cherished friendship! President Muizzu and I released a stamp to mark 60 years of India-Maldives friendship. Our ties are getting stronger with the passage of time and are benefitting the people of our nations.”
PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Muizzu. During the visit, he held bilateral talks and announced several agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, health, and social welfare-supporting the island nation’s development goals.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the state-of-the-art Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Male.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 11-storey building represents the strong and longstanding defence and security partnership between the two nations. Constructed with financial assistance from India, the new MoD facility is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of Maldives’ defence and law enforcement institutions, according to the PMO.
Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds at the venue, who chanted “Narendra Modi Zindabad” and held banners that read: “Honouring Enduring Partnership – Welcome, Prime Minister Modi.”
In a post on X, the Maldivian President’s Office said, “His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, inaugurate the Dhoshimeyna Building, the new office premises of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).”
PM Modi described the inauguration as another testament to the robust cooperation between India and the Maldives.
“President Muizzu and I inaugurated a new building of the Ministry of Defence in Male. This is yet another instance of strong India-Maldives cooperation,” he shared on X.
— ANI