In a moment infused with diplomatic grace and historical resonance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday extended heartfelt congratulations to the visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauding his achievement as India's second-longest-serving PM in consecutive terms.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Male on the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, several agreements across diverse sectors were signed on Friday which reaffirmed the bilateral partnership between India and Maldives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm hug from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu as he arrived at the airport in Male on Friday.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has decided to take the necessary steps to introduce India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in the Maldives.
Addressing the press after his talks with Dr Muizzu, the Prime Minister said India is Maldives' closest neighbour and a close friend.
The two leaders virtually inaugurated the runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Maldives, a development supported by India.
Several foreign leaders, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina, Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth, Nepal PM PK Dahal and Srilankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe have also been invited for the swearing-in ceremony.
According to Maldivian media reports, the Island nation's President Mohamed Muizzu has formally conveyed this to India.
The Maldivian leader further asserted that the Indian Ocean doesn't belong to any "specific country".
Muizzu said that he met the Indian ambassador a few days after his victory and "told him very clearly that every single Indian military personnel here should be removed".
