Maldives welcomes Indian Prime Minister Modi
It is the first state visit by an Indian prime minister since 2011.
08 Jun 2019, 9:00 AM
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday afternoon in the first state visit by India’s head of government since 2011.
Modi was greeted at the Velana International Airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid followed by a ceremonial welcome with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the capital’s Republic Square.
The island’s northern waterfront was closed to traffic and decorated with welcome banners and the national flags of both countries. Modi was escorted to the president’s office with a cultural procession after a traditional dance performed by school children, a 21-gun salute, and a military guard of honour.
After cancelling a planned trip in 2015 due to political unrest, Modi briefly visited Malé for the first time to attend Solih’s inauguration ceremony in November. The change of government heralded a reset of relations after the historically close ties were strained under the pro-China former administration.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
