President Solih departs on state visit to India

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih departed Sunday morning on his maiden official visit to India.

A bilateral agreement on easing the process of obtaining dependent and medical visa for Maldivians will be signed during the state visit, the president told reporters at the airport.

A 90-day visa would be issued for Maldivians travelling for tourism or business purposes.

The president is due to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, and other senior government officials.

“The Maldivian delegation will also meet with the Indian business leaders, and hold discussions on the investment opportunities in the Maldives,” the president’s office said.

Days after Solih took office on November 17, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid visited India and announced a “new era” of close diplomatic relations. The historically close ties were strained under former president Abdulla Yameen, who secured financing for flagship infrastructure projects from India’s rival China.

The president was accompanied by First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a high-level delegation including the ministers for finance, infrastructure, economic development, and foreign affairs.

Honoured to accompany President @ibusolih on his first State Visit to Delhi. A new dawn is rising for #Maldives–#India friendship and cooperation under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. pic.twitter.com/vnkRWhw7gF

— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) December 16, 2018