Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official two-day visit to the Maldives, reiterated the enduring strength and cultural depth of India-Maldives relations. Speaking at a banquet hosted in his honour by President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé, PM Modi said, “India-Maldives relations are centuries old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need.”
His visit coincided with a momentous occasion — the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. “This happy coincidence… has made my visit even more special,” he added.
Emphasising India’s regional outreach strategy, PM Modi declared, “Maldives holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity.”
He recalled the continuity in high-level engagements between both nations, noting that the Maldivian President had visited India last year, and now, “I have received the opportunity to be the first State Guest of his tenure.”
During his speech, PM Modi also reflected on the shared civilisational and cultural heritage of the two countries. “Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi… Several words in Dhivehi have come from India… Our tastes are also similar… Absolutely perfect despite being different,” he said, celebrating the historical bonds.
He also praised the people-to-people ties that continue to flourish between the two neighbours. “The loving relations that have been formed between the people of our two nations for centuries are ever strong even today. Your tourist number 10 lakh this year turned out to be an Indian,” he highlighted.
President Muizzu Praises PM Modi’s Political Milestone
President Mohamed Muizzu marked the occasion by congratulating PM Modi for completing 4,078 consecutive days in office, making him India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record.
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“This remarkable milestone… is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people,” Muizzu said during the official banquet.
PM Modi, aged 74, took oath as India’s Prime Minister on May 26, 2014 and has now served 11 years and 60 days in office, becoming the longest-serving PM from a non-Hindi state and the first non-Congress leader to reach this milestone.
The only Indian leader to serve longer consecutive terms is Jawaharlal Nehru, whose tenure spanned over 16 years and 286 days.
During this high-profile state visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with President Muizzu and announced new agreements focused on trade, agriculture, health, and social welfare, aimed at accelerating the Maldives’ development trajectory.
