Maldives and India express confidence in the renewal of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship

Newly sworn in President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi have noted the resilience of the relations between India and the Maldives, expressing confidence in the renewal of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. The two leaders made the remarks in a joint statement after holding a meeting in the President’s Office following the swearing-in of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

During the meeting, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih welcomed and thanked Indian Prime Minister Modi for visiting the Maldives to participate in the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Solih for the special gesture of inviting him to the Inauguration Ceremony. He also conveyed greetings and compliments from the people of India to the people of Maldives on consolidation of democracy, which is essential for peace, prosperity, and stability.

During the meeting, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and being mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region. The two leaders also expressed their unwavering commitment and support for increased cooperation in combating terrorism, both within the region and elsewhere.

President Solih also briefed Prime Minister Modi on the dire economic situation facing the country as he takes office. The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue the development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of Maldives. In particular, President Solih highlighted the pressing need for increased housing and infrastructure development as well as for establishing water and sewerage systems in the outlying islands.

Prime Minister Modi assured President Solih of the firm commitment of India in assisting the Maldives to achieve sustainable social and economic development. The Indian prime minister also conveyed the readiness by the government of India to extend help in every possible way and suggested that both sides should meet at the earliest to work out details as per requirements of the Maldives. He also welcomed the expanding opportunities for Indian companies to invest in the Maldives in different sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries. Recognising that nationals of both countries travel extensively between the two countries, the leaders also agreed on the need for facilitating easier visa procedures.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Solih to make a State Visit to India at his earliest convenience. President Solih accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdullah Shahid, whose appointment was announced later in the evening, will make an official visit to India on November 26, 2018, to hold further discussions and to prepare for the forthcoming State Visit of President Solih to India. President Solih expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi will make an official visit to the Maldives in the near future. Prime Minister Modi gratefully accepted the invitation.

The meeting with Prime Minister Modi is the first official meeting held by the new President of Maldives following his swearing-in. Furthermore, it was the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Maldives.