PM Modi in Maldives: PM Modi attends Maldivian Independence Day event as Chief Guest

PM Narendra Modi attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives. Pictures surfaced on the PMO India X page.

PM Narendra Modi attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives. Pictures surfaced on the PMO India X page.

Former President of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, says, "It is a great honour that PM Modi visited us for the 60th Independence Day Celebrations. PM Modi has visited us several times, but this time he spent several hours with us... PM Modi enjoyed all the cultural events here. My meeting with the Prime Minister was very fruitful, and we spoke about the environment. PM Modi was interested about matters of the Maldives and we had a good discussion..."

"It was a delight to interact with beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. This initiative focuses on capacity building. The group included police officials, government officials, paramedics and nurses. They truly embody the spirit of the India-Maldives friendship and the deep-rooted ties that unite our two nations," PM Modi tweeted.

"Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership," PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi also met former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and lauded him as a “strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship.”

Writing on X, PM Modi reiterated India’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with the Maldives under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

“Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi in Maldives Live Updates: PM Modi meets Maldivian VP Hussain Mohamed Latheef

PM Modi says he had a “very good meeting” with Maldives Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef during his visit to Male, emphasising the strength of the India-Maldives partnership.

Taking to microblogging site X, PM Modi said their discussion “touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship,” including infrastructure, technology, climate change, and energy.

“Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday described India as the island nation’s “closest and most trusted partner,” despite previously spearheading the ‘India Out’ campaign.

The statement came during PM Modi’s official visit to the Maldives, where the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions at the Presidential Office in Malé.

President Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s consistent role as the Maldives’ First Responder during times of crisis.

“India has long stood as the Maldives’s closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education, and beyond—touching the everyday lives of our citizens,” he said.

PM Modi's engagements on the final day will include high-level meetings, a community interaction, and participation in the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations, where he will attend as the Chief Guest.

According to the itinerary, the Prime Minister will begin his day with courtesy calls from senior Maldivian dignitaries between 10:45 am and 12:40 pm (IST). These meetings are expected to focus on bilateral cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, development, and regional stability.

Later in the day, from 3:50 pm to 4:15 pm IST, PM Modi will meet alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and interact with members of the Indian community in the Maldives. The event will serve to highlight India’s developmental support and enduring people-to-people ties with the island nation.

At 4:30 pm IST, PM Modi will join Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at the official Independence Day celebrations in Malé. His presence at the event is expected to reaffirm India’s strategic and diplomatic commitment to the Maldives, particularly amid regional power shifts and China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean.

The Prime Minister will depart for India at around 6:15 pm IST, concluding a visit that is widely seen as part of New Delhi’s ongoing effort to deepen ties with its maritime neighbour under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

PM Modi will join the Maldives in celebrating its Independence Day today, serving as the chief guest at the national event.

Day two of the visit features a packed schedule.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet top Maldivian officials, interact with members of the Indian community, and attend the Independence Day celebrations.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a special press briefing on Friday, described PM Modi’s two-day state visit to the Maldives as both “timely and productive”, underscoring its strategic importance in the evolving Indo-Maldivian partnership.

He was joined at the briefing by India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, and Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal.

Highlighting the ceremonial warmth that marked the visit, Misri noted that President Muizzu and members of his Cabinet personally welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport.

“A ceremonial Guard of Honour and a special cultural performance were also held, gestures that reflect the depth of respect and importance accorded to this visit,” he added.

"India-Maldives relations are centuries-old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Like I said earlier too, Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy...This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity," said PM Modi.

"Our shared heritage is as old as the Monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi. Our languages reflect the depth of our culture. The roots of the Mahal language of Dhivehi and Minicoy are similar. Several words in Dhivehi have come from India...Our tastes are also similar...Absolutely perfect despite being different," said PM Modi.

"Our two nations are colleagues of the Global South. Be it infrastructure or capacity building, in every turn of the journey of development in Maldives, India has been a true partner and co-passenger. Now, we should go ahead on trade, security and sustainable development. India and Maldives' relations are based on the foundation of trust and thrive on goodwill. Today, we have reiterated our commitment to its bright future," said PM Modi.

"In the sector of defence and security, mutual cooperation is the symbol of mutual trust. The building of Defence Ministry, which is being inaugurated today, is a trusted, concrete building. It is a symbol of our strong partnership. Our partnership will also be in weather science. Whatever the weather may be, our friendship will always remain bright and clear. In the development of defence capabilities of Maldives, India will cooperate continuously. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region is our shared goal. Together in Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security. Climate change is a challenge for both os us. We have decide to promote renewable energy. In this sector, India will share its experience with Maldives," PM Modi said.

"To speed up our economic partnership, we have taken several steps. To speed up our shared investment, we will soon work toward finalising the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Talks on Free Trade Agreement have also begun. Now, our goal is 'from paperwork to prosperity'. With the local currency settlement system, we will be able to have direct trade between Rupee and Rufiyaa. The pace with which UPI is gaining momentum in Maldives, tourism and retail will strengthen," said PM Modi.

PM Modi in Maldives Live Updates: 'Our relations are touching new heights,' says PM Modi

During his visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public and extended greetings on the occasion of their 60th Independence Day. He also thanked Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for having him as the Guest of Honour.

"First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I would like to extend heartiest greetings to the President and people of Maldives on the historic occasion of the 60th year of independence. For inviting me as the Guest of Honour on this historic occasion, I express heartfelt gratitude to the President," PM Modi said. Read more

"India is Maldives' closest neighbour. Maldives holds an important place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'MAHASAGAR' vision. India is proud of being the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a crisis or pandemic, India has always stood with them as first responders. Be it making essential commodities available or handling the economy after COVID, India has always worked together," said PM Modi.

"This year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. But the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbours but also co-passengers," PM Modi said.

PM Modi in Maldives Live Updates: India and Maldives exchange MoUs in the presence of PM Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu

PM Modi in Maldives Live Updates: PM Modi shares glimpses from the ceremonial welcome at Republic Square in Malé

PM Modi in Maldives Live Updates: PM Modi and Maldivian President Muizzu hold a meeting in Malé.

During his visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced key Indian officials to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at Republic Square in Malé. Among those present were External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior Indian government officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday become India’s second-longest serving premier in consecutive terms, completing 4,078 straight days in office, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s uninterrupted tenure between 1964 and 1977. (Read More)

PM Modi in Maldives Live Updates: PM Modi receives Guard of Honour - WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with ministers and senior officials of the Maldivian government at Republic Square in Malé. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was present alongside PM Modi during the interaction.

Best known for pristine beaches, stunning coral reefs and balmy weather, Maldives is the last place on Earth that would be expected as a stage for a geopolitical war. But the island nation with over 1,000 atolls and islands located in the middle of the Indian Ocean has been at the heart of a turf battle between two major Asian powers – India and China. Both nations have been trying to bolster their presence in the islands that have geostrategic significance. Till two years ago, China seemed to have greater influence over the leadership of the islands that are home to east-west shipping lanes.  (Read More)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reached Maldives a day after concluding the UK leg of his two-nation visit.  His trip to the island nation comes at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and coincides with the Maldives' 60th Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. (Read More)

Members of the Indian community in the Maldives expressed enthusiasm and pride over the Prime Minister’s visit. His presence in the country is seen as a strong reaffirmation of India’s commitment to its neighbour and strategic partner in the Indian Ocean region.

This visit also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. Over the years, India has played a vital role in supporting the Maldives through development aid, infrastructure projects, and emergency assistance

During the two-day visit, PM Modi will hold extensive talks with President Muizzu, with discussions likely to focus on strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including security, infrastructure, trade, and maritime connectivity.

This is PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives, but notably, he is the first head of state or government to undertake a state visit under President Muizzu’s administration, which began in November 2023.

PM Modi has been invited by President Muizzu to be the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26. His participation in the national event is seen as a key gesture to deepen diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Several senior Maldivian ministers were present at the welcome ceremony, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security. Their presence highlighted the significance attached to Modi’s visit at the highest levels of the Maldivian government.

The capital city of Malé wore a festive look, adorned with colourful banners, large posters, and fluttering Indian flags. Streets were lined with posters reading “Warm Greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” and some featured his photograph. Children were seen holding paintings and pictures of PM Modi, adding a warm personal touch to the welcome.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday as part of the second leg of his two-nation visit. Upon his arrival in Malé, he was warmly received by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. The two leaders greeted each other with a hug, marking the start of a significant diplomatic engagement.